Darrell Feller, a retired U.S. Army National Guard pilot, is weighing in on the possible causes behind the tragic D.C. aircraft collision … sharing how a number of factors could’ve been at play.

We caught up with Darrell on “TMZ Live” in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s tragedy, and he explained how it was entirely possible the Army Black Hawk helicopter, which crashed into a regional jet carrying 64 people, didn’t even see the aircraft coming.

Darrell says the particular route the chopper took is known for causing “confusion with ground light,” due to the light from surrounding structures, buildings and other aircraft.

Darrell said this particular route, combined with the assigned runway, is known as the “most dangerous spot” … which means an incident is most likely to occur there — as it did this week.

While the route has been shut down by the FAA following the collision, Darrell made a case for its existence … explaining it allows Air Traffic Control a clear way to move aircraft in and out of congested airspace.

Darrell said something will have to be done about the danger zone … but shared it’s unclear if that means closing the tricky runway, or creating a new routing system entirely.

There’s currently a federal investigation into the cause of the collision … which left no survivors.

Tristan Thompson is facing some heat for referring to ex-girlfriend Khloe Kardashian‘s niece Dream as his “oldest daughter” … especially from the little one’s mama, Blac Chyna.

ICYMI … the NBA player caught some flak on social media after he filmed himself sending love to his “2 daughters,” Dream Kardashian and True Thompson.

Many online felt it was inappropriate of Tristan to claim Rob Kardashian‘s daughter as his own, especially since he isn’t blood-related to the 8-year-old, and is NOT dating Dream’s aunt.

She wrote on Instagram … “Dream has one mother, Angela White, and one father, Robert Kardashian. I usually don’t speak up, but I’m done. Stop all this clout chasing involving my daughter.”

Chyna made it clear there was no reason for Tristan to lay claim to Dream, as she and Rob are active parents in Dream’s life.

She added … “We also have a beautiful, healthy co-parenting relationship.”

Tristan has 3 other biological children he could be focusing on … including son Prince, who he shares with ex Jordan Craig … son Theo, who he shares with model Maralee Nichols … and son Tatum, who he shares with True’s mom Khloe.

But it’s no secret Dream has an incredibly close bond with Khloe and True, regularly spending time at “The Kardashians” star’s home for sleepovers and other family bonding moments … and it isn’t the first time someone in their family has overstepped in describing their relationship

Khloe famously put her foot in her mouth when she referred to herself as Dream’s “third parent” on a 2023 episode of “The Kardashians” … sparking a similar backlash to Tristan’s.

Khloe later backtracked her remark on Instagram, explaining she considers “all of my nieces and nephews my babies” as she believes it takes a village to raise kids.

Though, given Chyna’s complicated history with the Kardashian-Jenner family, it may be safer to stick to their actual “aunt” and “uncle” titles moving forward.

YFN Lucci is a free man after spending a year behind bars in Georgia — and he’s looking to get right back into the rap scene with a positive message.

On Friday, the hip hop star walked out of Burruss Correctional Training Facility in Forsyth, GA, and was met outside by his family and creative team, who arrived in Rolls-Royces and Escalades, according to his high-powered attorney, Drew Findling.

Findling says Lucci is ready to rebuild his life after he pled guilty to one count of violating The Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. As part of a plea deal, Lucci was sentenced to 10 years in prison, plus 10 years probation … but he got credit for time served going back to the spring of 2021, so he’s now been released.

Lucci issued a statement to us … “I’ve learned a lot during my time away. I’m incredibly grateful for my family and friends — who have stood by me the whole time. Now, it’s my turn to give back. I want to use my voice, my platform, and my music to inspire those who look up to me. I want to show people it’s never too late to make a change. For me, this time is about growth, redemption, and purpose. I’m excited — there’s so much more to come.”

Video obtained by TMZ shows Lucci arriving back at his Georgia home and celebrating with his family and friends.