Grieving families press Congress on aviation safety reforms after midair collision near DC

Senators and victims' families say advanced aircraft locator systems could have prevented tragedy, but cost concerns remain

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Key senators and the families of the 67 people who died when an airliner collided with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., are convinced advanced aircraft locator systems recommended by experts for nearly two decades would have prevented last year's tragedy. However, it remains unclear if a bill will pass Congress requiring the systems around busy airports due to cost concerns, especially for smaller and older aircraft.

Why it matters

The midair collision near the nation's capital highlighted the need for improved aviation safety measures, especially around busy airports. The victims' families believe the recommended locator systems could have provided critical warning time to prevent the crash, but cost remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

The details

The Senate Commerce Committee is holding a hearing to review the National Transportation Safety Board's 50 recommendations to prevent another midair collision like the one on January 29, 2025, which killed all 67 people aboard the airliner and helicopter. The NTSB has been urging the installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems that can both broadcast an aircraft's location and receive data on the location of other nearby aircraft. While ADS-B out systems that broadcast location are already required, ADS-B in systems that can receive the signals are not standard, which the NTSB says could have provided the airliner's pilots nearly a minute's warning to avoid the helicopter.

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

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 NTSB's recommendations.

Amy Hunter

Cousin of Peter Livingston, who died on the flight 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.

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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 is planning to hold a hearing on Thursday to review the NTSB's recommendations, including the call for mandatory installation of both ADS-B out and ADS-B in systems on all aircraft around busy airports.

The takeaway

The midair collision near Washington, D.C. has galvanized calls for improved aviation safety measures, particularly the widespread adoption of advanced aircraft locator systems that could provide critical warning time to prevent such tragedies. However, the cost of upgrading older and smaller aircraft remains a significant obstacle to implementing these life-saving technologies.