Actually, you DID see the motive for said subterfuge.
After 9/11, there was a complete shutdown of all civilian aviation for a few days, and a multi-billion dollar impact on the economy for years thereafter.
Governments HATE multi-billion dollar impacts on the economy.
One little plane running into another little plane, without announcement or obvious attempt to create terror is hardly comparable to 9-11
Governments HATE multi-billion dollar impacts on the economy.
This government is far more concerned about a comfy populace that grows forgetful and weary about the threat of terrorism.
Which is SOP for the defense condition that CONUS was at, at the time. At certain defense conditions, "DEFCONS", the only thing flying is US military, or should be.
Governments HATE multi-billion dollar impacts on the economy
Clinton hates any bad news