Crash called ‘avoidable’, with lawmakers and residents previously sounding alarm about region’s crowded skies

Summary

Concerns over Washington, D.C.'s congested airspace were raised before Wednesday’s fatal crash at Reagan National Airport, which killed all 64 aboard an American Airlines jet and three on a military helicopter.

Lawmakers and citizens had warned about excessive military training flights in the area, but efforts to limit air traffic were overridden by Congress.

Army secretary nominee Daniel Driscoll called the crash “preventable” and pledged to review training practices.

Investigations by the FAA and NTSB are ongoing.