Trump Blames Biden for FAA Hiring Standards After Deadly Air Collision

US Official Confirms No Communication Breakdown, Aircraft Followed Standard Flight Patterns

By M Muzamil Shami - January 31, 2025

Former President Donald Trump has accused President Joe Biden of lowering Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hiring standards following a catastrophic air collision. The deadly crash occurred Thursday when an American Airlines Bombardier jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan Washington National Airport, marking the worst US air disaster in over two decades, with 67 fatalities.

Investigators are probing the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Bombardier CRJ-700, operated by PSA Airlines under American Eagle Flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with the military helicopter as it prepared to land.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that both aircraft adhered to standard flight patterns and no communication lapses occurred. Air traffic control recordings confirm that controllers had alerted the helicopter to the approaching jet and instructed it to adjust its course.

Despite the lack of evidence linking federal diversity hiring policies to air safety, Trump asserted that the FAA's initiatives may have contributed to the disaster. During a White House press briefing, he criticized the helicopter pilots and suggested potential issues with air traffic controllers. "We don't know what led to this crash, but we have strong opinions," Trump stated.

Concerns Over Crowded Airspace and Air Traffic Controller Shortages

Reagan National Airport, situated near Washington, D.C., is one of the busiest air hubs in the country, operating alongside two other major commercial airports and military installations. The congested airspace has raised safety concerns, particularly after several near-miss incidents, including a potential collision in May 2024.

Trump accused Biden of relaxing hiring standards within the FAA, alleging that diversity efforts have undermined safety and efficiency. When asked whether diversity hiring played a role in the crash, Trump responded, "It just could have been." However, no factual evidence has been presented to support these claims.

Buttigieg Slams Trump’s Remarks Amid Investigation

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg condemned Trump's statements, calling them "despicable" in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying," he wrote.

In contrast to Trump's allegations, officials emphasize that no immediate indications suggest the cause of the crash. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom confirmed that the pilot of the Bombardier CRJ-700 had six years of experience. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that the Army helicopter crew consisted of three skilled soldiers conducting annual proficiency training with night-vision goggles.

Victims Include Skaters Returning from Training Camp

Among the victims were renowned ice skating coaches and young athletes returning from a training camp in Wichita, Kansas. Former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were confirmed passengers. The Skating Club of Boston expressed deep sorrow, with a tearful Doug Zeghibe stating, "We have lost family."

Russia’s Mash news outlet published a list of 13 skaters, many of Russian descent, believed to have been on board. The Kremlin extended condolences to affected families.

Tragic History of Air Disasters in US Skating

This crash echoes the devastating 1961 tragedy when all 18 members of the US national skating team perished in a Belgian airline crash outside Brussels.

Final Moments and Investigation Updates

Air traffic control audio from liveatc.net captured the final communication with the helicopter, call sign PAT25, moments before the collision. "PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? Pass behind the CRJ," a controller instructed at 8:47 PM (0147 GMT). Seconds later, another pilot reported seeing a fireball, marking the moment of impact.

Webcam footage captured the explosion illuminating the night sky. Emergency responders faced frigid and windy conditions while working to recover victims and evidence. A dive team successfully retrieved one of the aircraft’s black boxes.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin confirmed that most bodies had been recovered. "Everything was routine until the accident. Something went wrong," he stated.

Deadliest US Air Disaster in Decades

This collision is the deadliest US air tragedy since November 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed near JFK Airport in New York, killing 260 people on board and five on the ground.

Reagan National Airport, one of the busiest in the US, handles over 800 daily flights. The National Transportation Safety Board has documented multiple accidents and near-misses at the airport, highlighting persistent safety risks in the high-traffic zone.

Security Concerns in Washington’s Airspace

Reagan National’s proximity to key federal buildings, including the White House and the Pentagon, adds layers of complexity to air traffic management. The 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon, where 189 people lost their lives, underscore the heightened security challenges in the region.

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has long voiced concerns about the dense air traffic over Washington, D.C. "I’ve dreaded a disaster like this but feared it was inevitable," he told reporters.

The ongoing investigation aims to determine the precise cause of the crash while addressing broader aviation safety concerns.