Austin News

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has voiced his determination to investigate the factors leading to a recent aviation accident and to advocate for improvements within the U.S. aviation system. During the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing in Washington, D.C., Sen. Cruz expressed condolences to the families of those affected by the collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. He emphasized the need for congressional action if policy failures are identified as contributing factors to the crash.

In his statement, Sen. Cruz mentioned, “This crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and the Army Black Hawk helicopter was preventable. And I want you to know I am committed to using the power of this Committee to determine if any policy failures led to this crash and making sure Congress acts to correct them.” He acknowledged the significance of the accident, noting it as the first commercial crash in the U.S. with mass fatalities in over fifteen years.

The hearing aims to explore several potential factors that led to the collision, including the Army's practice regarding ADS-B Out, the FAA's monitoring of airspace, and the adequacy of communication between the air traffic controller and pilots involved. Sen. Cruz stated, “The families of the American Airlines Flight 5342 victims deserve answers. Congress deserves answers. And the American flying public deserves answers to these important questions.”

Sen. Cruz praised the work of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in their ongoing investigation. He said, “I am grateful to Chairman Jennifer Homendy and her team for their thorough investigation of this accident.” He also stressed the urgent need for improvements in aviation safety, pointing out recent issues with the air traffic control system, such as staffing shortages and technical problems.

“President Trump and Secretary Duffy have pledged to take action to improve the air traffic control system. I plan to lead this Committee in passing legislation to do the same,” said Sen. Cruz.

Sen. Cruz has called on aviation stakeholders for ideas to enhance air traffic systems, indicating that, “What the tragedy of Flight 5342 shows us is it is never too early to act to improve aviation safety.”