T&I Committee Leaders’ stattement following NTSB briefing on investigation of crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Joint statement of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX), and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN) following today’s closed briefing for Committee Members by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on their ongoing investigation of the January 29th collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army helicopter:

“We appreciate the tireless work of Chair Homendy and the NTSB, including their efforts to keep the Committee informed, as they continue to investigate the recent collision of two aircraft in our nation’s capital. Ensuring U.S. aviation safety is of paramount importance to this committee, and we all want to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic accident. However, we urge everyone to refrain from speculating about the cause of this accident until all the facts are known. Our deepest condolences and thoughts remain with the families of the victims and first responders.”