Letter to the Hon. Bill Schuster, the Hon. Peter DeFazio, the Hon. Frank LoBiondo, and the Hon. Rick Larsen - Norton Calls for Hearing on Airline Safety Following Fatality on Southwest Airlines Flight and "60 Minutes' Investigation into Allegiant Airlines

Letter

Dear Chairmen Schuster and LoBiondo and Ranking Members DeFazio and Larsen:

In light of the recent in-flight fatality on Southwest Airlines and a "60 Minutes" investigation into low-cost carrier Allegiant Airlines, revealing numerous mechanical and operational problems, I write to ask that the Committee or Aviation Subcommittee hold a hearing on aviation safety in the United States.

The "60 Minutes" investigation found that, between January 2016 and October 2017, Allegiant Airlines experienced more than 100 serious mechanical incidents, including mid-air engine failures, smoke and fumes in the cabin, rapid descents, flight control malfunctions, hydraulic leaks, aborted takeoffs and emergency landings. Yesterday, an engine exploded during a Southwest Airlines flight, resulting in the death of a passenger and forcing an emergency landing. While this fatality is the first on a U.S. airline since 2009, this incident highlights the need for continued oversight of and improvements in the aviation industry.

As we prepare to consider legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, I believe we should ensure that aviation safety remains at the forefront of our efforts. Holding a hearing on this issue would allow us to gather valuable information and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the safety of the millions of Americans who rely on our nation's airlines each year.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton

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