************************************************************
NTSB PRESS RELEASE ************************************************************ National
Transportation Safety Board Washington, DC
20594 FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: September 16, 2009 SB-09-51 ************************************************************ NTSB CHAIRMAN
TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS ON THE HUDSON RIVER AIRSPACE AND
MANAGEMENT OF UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE CORRIDORS ************************************************************ Washington, DC -
NTSB Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman testified today
on the status of the ongoing investigation into the mid-air
collision over the Hudson River. The collision
occurred on August 8 between a helicopter and an airplane. All 9
persons on board both aircraft were killed. Chairman Hersman
provided an overview of the ongoing investigation
based on facts that have been identified to date. The
testimony did not provide any analysis or conclusions on what
may have caused the accident. At the hearing
before the Subcommittee on Aviation on Transportation
and Infrastructure, Hersman noted that the Safety Board has
identified some areas of concern that have prompted the
Board to issue safety recommendations early in its
investigation. "We issued
early recommendations prior to the conclusion of our investigation
because this accident demonstrated that there is a need
for new procedures to be put in place to minimize the risk
of collision," said Chairman Hersman. "The Federal
Aviation Administration has taken quick action to address
operational changes in the Hudson corridor. We are reviewing
their proposal to determine if it meets the intent of our
recommendations." Also during her
testimony, Chairman Hersman presented an animation
depicting the accident sequence. The animation was created based
on radar data and audio from Air Traffic Control
communications. The full text of
Chairman Hersman's testimony is available on the Board's
web site at http://www.ntsb.gov/Speeches/hersman/daph090916.html. Also, you can
find the animation that was discussed during the hearing at http://www.ntsb.gov/Speeches/hersman/daph090916-Animation-Description.htm.
-30- NTSB Press
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