Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted pilot error as a significant factor in several recent high-profile aviation incidents and near misses. Speaking on Thursday, Duffy advocated for stricter accountability for pilots who disregard air traffic control instructions, suggesting license revocation for serious infractions.
His comments follow a recent near-collision in Chicago where a private jet crossed a runway as a Southwest Airlines plane was landing. According to reports, the Southwest flight had to ascend rapidly to avoid a collision. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting the private jet entered the runway without clearance.
Duffy stated in an interview, “A consequence-free space where you make errors, serious errors, and you don’t pay any kind of price for it, something’s wrong with that.” He emphasized the need for pilots to be more attentive and compliant with air traffic control directions, suggesting that stronger penalties could be the solution.
These remarks come amidst public anxiety regarding air travel safety following a series of aviation accidents in recent weeks. These incidents include a fatal mid-air collision between a helicopter and a passenger plane near Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities, and other crashes involving smaller aircraft and commercial planes.
However, despite public perception, data indicates that overall flight incidents and fatalities are not increasing compared to previous years. An analysis of federal data by NBC News revealed that the number of fatal collisions involving various types of aircraft in the U.S. has actually decreased in recent years. Last year saw the lowest number of such incidents in 25 years, with 179 recorded. The number of deaths on board aircraft is also on a downward trend.
Despite these statistics, the recent cluster of incidents has understandably heightened public concern. Travelers like Frenchi Jones from Richmond, Virginia, and BranDee Hopgood from Dallas, Texas, have expressed increasing anxiety and have even cancelled upcoming flights due to safety concerns.
Jeff Guzzetti, a former investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), assures the public that air travel remains safe. “The sky is not falling,” he stated, acknowledging public nervousness while emphasizing the rarity of these unfortunate accidents.
Chicago Near-Collision Highlights Air Traffic Control Adherence
The Chicago incident involved Southwest Flight 2504 at Midway International Airport. Video footage shows the aircraft ascending abruptly as it approached the runway to avoid a Flexjet aircraft that was crossing its path. The FAA reported that the private jet entered the runway without authorization, forcing the Southwest flight crew to execute a “go-around” maneuver to prevent a potential catastrophe.
Duffy described the Chicago near-miss as potentially “catastrophic,” praising the airliner pilot for their attentiveness in averting a disaster. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, in a separate interview, directly blamed the Flexjet aircraft pilots, stating it “appears this was a failure of the flight crew from Flexjet to listen and abide by the instructions of air traffic control.”
Flexjet responded with a statement cautioning against premature assignment of blame while the investigation is ongoing, affirming their commitment to the highest safety standards and a thorough internal review.
Recent Aviation Accidents Spark Safety Concerns
The Chicago near-collision is part of a series of recent aviation incidents that have raised alarm.
- Washington D.C. Mid-air Collision: On January 29th, a devastating mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., between an Army helicopter and a commercial airplane resulted in the death of all 67 people aboard both aircraft. This was the deadliest air crash in the U.S. in almost 25 years.
- Alaska Plane Crash: Earlier this month, a small plane crash in Alaska tragically killed all 10 people on board.
- Toronto Delta Plane Incident: A Delta plane flipped upside down in a fiery crash landing in Toronto, injuring 21 people.
Transportation Secretary Duffy noted “there’s some pilot error at play in each of these incidents,” emphasizing a renewed focus on aviation safety and system improvements.
FAA Actions to Enhance Air Traffic Control
In response to these concerns and incidents, Duffy announced a plan to “supercharge” the hiring of air traffic controllers. Speaking from the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, he outlined measures to expedite the hiring process from February 27th to March 17th and increase starting salaries by 30% for academy candidates.
Despite the recent incidents, Duffy reassured the public about the overall safety of air travel, pointing out that billions of people fly safely in the U.S. annually. He acknowledged that while crashes are unfortunately a reality, the current heightened attention on these events is significant.
Conclusion
While statistical data suggests that air travel remains remarkably safe, recent incidents have brought the issue of pilot error into sharp focus within the transportation news landscape. Secretary Duffy’s call for greater pilot accountability and the FAA’s efforts to bolster air traffic control highlight the ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving aviation safety standards. The industry and regulatory bodies are actively working to address potential vulnerabilities and ensure the continued safety of air transportation for the millions of passengers who rely on it daily.
