Families Push Congress for Aviation Safety Reforms After Deadly Midair Collision

Senators and victims' families believe advanced aircraft locator systems could have prevented the tragedy near Washington, D.C.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Key senators and the families of the 67 people killed in a midair collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. are pressing Congress to pass legislation requiring advanced aircraft locator systems. Experts have recommended these systems for nearly two decades, which they believe could have prevented the deadly crash. However, cost concerns have slowed the adoption of these technologies.

Why it matters

The tragic midair collision highlighted gaps in aviation safety regulations, as the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended the installation of these locator systems since 2008 to prevent such incidents. Passing this legislation could save lives, but faces resistance due to the financial burden on airlines and smaller aircraft owners.

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 killed all 67 people on board the airliner and helicopter, including 28 members of the figure skating community. The NTSB and victims' families believe if the airliner had been equipped with an ADS-B in system to receive location data, the pilots may have been able to avoid the collision. However, the helicopter's ADS-B out system that broadcasts location was not functioning properly.

  • The Senate Commerce Committee is planning a hearing on Thursday to address the NTSB's recommendations.
  • The midair collision occurred on January 29, 2025 near Washington, D.C.

The players

Jennifer Homendy

NTSB Chairwoman, who will be the sole witness at the Senate hearing.

Sean Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary, who has endorsed the legislation to require advanced aircraft locator systems.

Amy Hunter

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

Tim Lilley

Pilot whose son Sam was the co-pilot of the airliner that collided with the helicopter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 has already unanimously approved a bill to require aircraft flying around busy airports to have both ADS-B out and ADS-B in systems installed. However, House leaders want to craft their own comprehensive bill addressing all the NTSB recommendations instead of immediately passing the ROTOR Act.

The takeaway

This tragedy highlights the need for Congress to prioritize aviation safety reforms, even if they face cost concerns from the industry. Implementing the NTSB's long-standing recommendations for advanced aircraft locator systems could save lives and prevent future midair collisions.