Major airline pilot, WLAF alum weighs-in on Wed. tragedy

Jacksboro native Noah Smith shares his thoughts

By Noah Smith

LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- I am just incredibly shocked and saddened by the incident Wednesday night in Washington, D.C. Our thoughts, prayers, condolences, and grief go out to the entire crew, passengers, and staff on BOTH the American Airlines flight and the Blackhawk. While what happened was an insane accident and completely rare, this is not a time to point fingers immediately and place blame. While the helicopter seemed to lose visual sight and separation from the airliner, it’s too early to tell. 

TOP PHOTO: Pilot and WLAF alum Noah Smith in this file photo is shown at Stiner Airfield.

This is what I do know: we have THE most talented pilots and crew on all of our airlines in the United States than anywhere in the world. We have THE safest skies for travel and aviation on the entire planet. This was not the result of an executive order issued or descended ten days ago. This is an issue with staffing, shortage, and overworking our ATC controllers. You can’t just wake up one morning and start ATC training and they place you in DC or Atlanta or New York. These controllers have been in the industry for 20-30 years and have worked their way up to the massive airports like DC. They need our support. They need our love. They need our prayers. It is insulting to the entire industry to suggest that these controllers are DEI hires. These controllers have been on the job for decades…they didn’t start 10 days ago. They have put in countless hours, training, and time. They used the correct language “pass behind the CRJ” therefore leaving the responsibility with the pilot to identify, spot, and follow behind. I hear those words everyday. Nighttime is extremely challenging at times especially in big cities with all the flashing lights.

The hard truth is that people make mistakes and this seems to be what happened. Aviation is very unforgiving but what I do know is that our pilots get up every morning devoted to getting you from place to place and that’s exactly what I will do. 

The aircraft that crashed last night is the exact same type of aircraft that I will be flying here in 5-6 months. The SAME TYPE. Seeing that sent chills down my spine but I remain devoted and committed to my love for flying and aviation.

Please, let us pray and grieve for the lost and not throw shade or blame around. Aviation is a team sport with everyone working to safely fly together. 

It will be an honor of my life to welcome you aboard a Delta Connections flight here soon! (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-01/31/2025-6AM)