Avoidable Tragedy

A midair collision near DC that killed 67 people could’ve been prevented if airlines had installed advanced locator systems, experts say. It’s a no-brainer, yet Congress is still dragging its feet.

A Simple Fix

The National Transportation Safety Board has been recommending these systems since 2008. They’re not required, though. The Senate Commerce Committee is holding a hearing to push for change.

The crash happened when an American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter. If the jet had the locator system, pilots might’ve had enough time to avoid the helicopter. The system would’ve given them nearly a minute’s warning, instead of just 19 seconds.

Cost Concerns

The biggest hurdle is cost. Upgrading older planes could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. But for smaller planes, there are affordable options. Pilots can use portable devices that cost a few hundred dollars.

It’s hard to put a price on human life, but 67 people are dead. Their families are pushing for change. It’s time for Congress to act.