Wednesday marks 16 years since the crash of Continental Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, which killed all 49 people on board the flight, along with one person on the ground.
The NTSB ruled pilot error and a lack of training were the causes of the crash. Because of that, the families of the victims of the crash took action and they are a big reason why the Airline Safety Act of 2010 passed, which includes measures to address pilot fatigue, consumer transparency, a pilot records database and increased pilot training requirements.
Ahead of the anniversary, families of the victims put out a message of how their hearts still break every day for their lost loved ones, as well as a call to all lawmakers to uphold a commitment to safety so more families don't have to experience this pain they feel.
"Today marks 16 years since Continental Flight 3407 tragically crashed in Clarence Center, New York..." the families said in a statement. "The pain of their loss is still felt every day - mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers, friends and colleagues - all taken too soon. In the years since this preventable tragedy, we have fought relentlessly to ensure that no other families suffer the same loss. Our advocacy led to the passage of landmark aviation safety legislation, which strengthened pilot training and experience requirements, established critical fatigue management rules, and enhanced safety oversight. As a result, these regulations have been instrumental in preventing further fatal crashes in U.S. commercial aviation for over fifteen years.
"As we gather today to remember those we lost, we urge lawmakers, government regulators, and industry leaders to uphold their commitment to safety. No one else should experience the pain we live with every day. There are already too many of us."
Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released a statement marking the anniversary.
“Today, I honor and remember each life that was lost far too soon in the tragic Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash that took place in Western New York 16 years ago. Its impact on the Western New York community continues to be felt today. So too does the work carried out by the families of those who were lost. I applaud their extraordinary tenacity in addressing pilot fatigue, strengthening consumer transparency, and increasing pilot training requirements—all in the face of ceaseless efforts by the industry to roll back protections. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for improving flight safety for every person who steps on an airplane. To honor their legacy, it is more important than ever to carry forward the families’ hard-fought and hard-earned advancements in aviation safety.”
A wreath laying at the memorial will take place at 5 p.m.
