Deadly D.C. Plane Crash Follows Flight Traffic Expansion Ignoring Safety Warnings

In the wake of a tragic midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Washington D.C., lawmakers are facing scrutiny for previously approving legislation that increased flight traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport despite safety warnings. Prior to the January 29 disaster, House lawmakers had pushed for expanded flight slots, which was backed by airlines and some lawmakers but opposed by others who cited existing overcapacity concerns. Senators from Virginia and Maryland expressed alarm over a near-miss incident in April, labeling it a 'bright red warning light' to Congress, emphasizing that more flights could jeopardize passenger safety. Critics, including Rep. Don Beyer, argued that the legislation was designed to benefit a select few at the expense of overall safety, while the bill's sponsor, Rep. Burgess Owens, defended it as a means to empower consumers. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, particularly as the FAA's leadership remains in flux after recent departures. Rescue efforts continue as search teams recover bodies from the Potomac River, raising concerns about aviation safety protocols in busy airspace.