Senators Begin to Ask: Should Military Helicopters Even Be Training Around DCA?

The investigation into Wednesday’s crash is only just beginning, but some senators are questioning why military exercises would happen so close to such a busy airport.

Air traffic control tower

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP

While most senators mourning Wednesday’s midair collision between an Army helicopter and a commercial airliner preached patience as an investigation into the accident began, some couldn’t help but wonder: Should military helicopters be flying there in the first place?

“We need to get to the bottom of what happened,” Sen. Josh Hawley said. “And we need a thorough report. But one question I have is, why are we doing military training exercises right next to one of the busiest airports in America?”

“I don’t know if that makes the most sense to me,” Hawley added. “But that’s the kinda thing we need to figure out.”