I think that is the issue that is being brought up. It was a class D air space and the plane was being handed off to another ATC when communications were lost (crashed). I agree that congested class D airspace should be monitored closer by the ATC. but ultimate responsibility is still the pilot's (since he is at the scene of the crash first ).

My son learned to fly at a field a couple of miles from Dallas/Ft Worth airport. He said he never took off and did not see at least a dozen aircraft in his proximity that he had to watch as he departed/arrived.

News reports are saying another helicopter pilot saw the plane and warned the helicopter of the approaching aircraft but it was seconds before the crash. The plane is a high performance airplane and is VERY FAST, especially on take-off. My son and I have flown in them and they are an impressively fast little airplane. Also, the reports are that the plane was climbing and turning right as it climbed out- there is a huge blind spot below the plane as it climbs (but that is no excuse, a pilot needs to visually check air space before climbing into it).