After watching this, I am truly impressed with the professionalism shown by the NTSB Chairwoman and the detailed methods they are using to fully investigate this accident. We could surely use a lot more of this in our government.

 

I agree she does seem to be very good. It is interesting to hear how the investigation may lead into many aspects of airport safety systems and not just the air traffic controllers.

I am not too sure about that Duffy character though.

 

A pilot commentator drew parallels between the aircraft in the DC crash and this event. Said that there are so many lights in both areas it is hard to see small aircraft. They blend in. I agree with this.

 

I agree Gene, she was very sharp and honest.

 

I read that the fire truck did NOT have a transponder aboard which means the ASDE-X system (surface detection) could not track the truck. Essentially invisible to ATC...

 

I heard the collision warnings were not working on the fire truck. So sad. RIP.

 

It appears the fire trucks ignored the red runway status lights. Since these are automatic and not under the control of any of the controllers If they're red you "can't" cross no matter what the controller tells you on the radio.

About the7:30 minute mark:

BTW: I'm absolutely in love with Jennifer Homendy.

-- Chuck

 

More information and an opinion from two retired Air Traffic Controllers that talked with Captain Steeeve about this unfortunate accident. The pilots were "Heroes"

 

well it seems like a calamity of mistakes and bad system maintenance, some training issues, faulty equipment, all coming together to make a tragedy like this. Not one single mistake but a host of problems

 

Our pilots have been repatriated to their homeland. RIP