Families of Victims Press Congress on Aviation Safety Reforms After Deadly Midair Collision

Senators and grieving families believe advanced aircraft locator systems could have prevented the tragedy near D.C.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Key senators and families of the 67 victims killed in a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. are urging Congress to pass legislation requiring all aircraft to be equipped with advanced locator systems that can both broadcast and receive location data. The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended these systems for nearly two decades, but they are not currently mandatory. The Senate has already approved a bill, but House leaders want to craft a more comprehensive bill addressing all NTSB safety recommendations.

Why it matters

The tragic collision, which claimed the lives of 28 members of the figure skating community, has renewed calls for improved aviation safety measures around busy airports. Advocates argue the locator systems could have helped pilots avoid the crash, but cost concerns have slowed their widespread adoption.

The details

The Senate Commerce Committee is holding a hearing to review the NTSB's 50 recommendations to prevent another midair collision like the one that occurred on January 29, 2025. The crash happened when the American Airlines jet from Wichita, Kansas collided with the Army helicopter, causing both aircraft to plummet into the Potomac River. While the Senate has already unanimously approved a bill to require both ADS-B Out (which broadcasts an aircraft's location) and ADS-B In (which receives location data from other planes), House leaders want to craft a more comprehensive bill addressing all NTSB safety proposals.

  • The midair collision occurred on January 29, 2025.
  • The Senate Commerce Committee hearing is planned for Thursday.

The players

Jennifer Homendy

NTSB Chairwoman and the sole witness called to testify at the Senate hearing.

Sean Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary, who has endorsed the NTSB's recommendations.

Amy Hunter

Cousin of Peter Livingston, who died in the crash along with his wife and two young daughters.

Tim Lilley

A pilot whose son Sam was the co-pilot of the American Airlines jet that collided with the helicopter.

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What they’re saying

“This seems like a no-brainer, right? Especially when this is not a new thing that they're proposing.”

— Amy Hunter

“If those recommendations had been fully realized, this accident wouldn't have happened. I don't know what value we put on the human life, but 67 lives would still be here today.”

— Tim Lilley, Pilot

What’s next

The Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Thursday will review all 50 of the NTSB's recommendations to prevent another midair collision like the one that occurred in 2025.

The takeaway

This tragedy has renewed urgent calls for Congress to mandate advanced aircraft locator systems, which experts and victims' families believe could have prevented the deadly midair collision. However, cost concerns from airlines, especially regional carriers, have slowed the widespread adoption of these safety technologies.