Bush says US crew did not cause accident
President George W Bush says the US spy plane crew did nothing to cause the crash with a Chinese plane.
His comments came as he personally welcomed home the 24-strong crew.
He also challenged China to stop interfering with US spy planes flying in international air-space.
President Bush says the whole nation is glad they are home. "We are proud of you," he said.
"I'm glad the crew will be with their families this Easter weekend. I know I speak for the whole of America in paying tribute to their courage and extraordinary skill."
On their way home, speaking freely for the first time, crew members were interviewed about the incident.
They restated the US view that the Chinese jet fighter caused the collision on April 1 by flying too close to the Navy surveillance plane over the South China Sea.
Bush, who spoke with the crew members just before making his statement, said they "did their duty with honor and great professionalism".
"From all the evidence we have seen the US aircraft was operating in international airspace in full accordance with all laws and procedures and did nothing to cause the accident," said President Bush.
He says officials from both nations will have talks to ensure there is no repetition of the accident.
