Norton Calls for Hearing on Airline Safety Following Fatality on Southwest Airlines Flight and ‘60 Minutes’ Investigation into Allegiant Airlines
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a senior Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Subcommittee on Aviation, today called on the committee or subcommittee to hold a hearing on aviation safety in the United States following two recent major developments implicating airline safety—a “60 Minutes” investigation into low-cost carrier Allegiant Airlines that found numerous safety lapses and incidents, and yesterday’s accident on a Southwest Airlines flight during which an engine blew apart, killing one passenger and forcing an emergency landing. Norton noted that while the fatality was the first on a U.S. airline since 2009 and the first-ever fatality on a Southwest Airlines flight, the occurrence of an in-flight fatality will unnerve the public. She said aviation safety deserves increased scrutiny, particularly as Congress once again prepares to consider a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In their investigation into Allegiant Airlines, between January 2016 – October 2017, “60 Minutes” found “more than 100 serious mechanical incidents, including mid-air engine failures, smoke and fumes in the cabin, rapid descents, flight control malfunctions, hydraulic leaks and aborted takeoffs.”
“Faced with serious evidence of airline safety concerns, I believe it would be prudent to hold a hearing on airline safety before reauthorizing the FAA,” Norton said. “Congress has an obligation to assert its oversight role if, for no other reason, to assure the millions of Americans who fly every year that airlines are adhering to the highest safety standards. It is particularly important that Congress look into low-cost carriers, like Allegiant Airlines, which may be ignoring serious safety concerns in order to turn a profit.”
Norton’s letter requesting the hearing is below.
The Honorable Bill Schuster
Chairman
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
2079 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Peter DeFazio
Ranking Member
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
2134 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Frank LoBiondo
Chairman
Subcommittee on Aviation
2427 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Rick Larsen
Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Aviation
2113 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairmen Schuster and LoBiondo and Ranking Members DeFazio and Larsen:
In light of the recent in-flight fatality on Southwest Airlines and a “60 Minutes” investigation into low-cost carrier Allegiant Airlines, revealing numerous mechanical and operational problems, I write to ask that the Committee or Aviation Subcommittee hold a hearing on aviation safety in the United States.
The “60 Minutes” investigation found that, between January 2016 and October 2017, Allegiant Airlines experienced more than 100 serious mechanical incidents, including mid-air engine failures, smoke and fumes in the cabin, rapid descents, flight control malfunctions, hydraulic leaks, aborted takeoffs and emergency landings. Yesterday, an engine exploded during a Southwest Airlines flight, resulting in the death of a passenger and forcing an emergency landing. While this fatality is the first on a U.S. airline since 2009, this incident highlights the need for continued oversight of and improvements in the aviation industry.
As we prepare to consider legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, I believe we should ensure that aviation safety remains at the forefront of our efforts. Holding a hearing on this issue would allow us to gather valuable information and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the safety of the millions of Americans who rely on our nation’s airlines each year.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Holmes Norton
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