FAA Probe of TWA Crash

Your July 6 article, “A Mission Engulfed in a Vacuum of Uncertainty,” failed to recognize the hard work and dedication demonstrated by Federal Aviation Administration employees in the effort to determine a cause in the tragic accident of TWA Flight 800 one year ago.

Immediately after the accident last July, FAA employees were on the scene and worked long and hard hours to help identify the reason for the accident. The FAA has devoted unprecedented resources to determine the cause of the accident and has assisted the National Transportation Safety Board in all aspects of the investigation. In just the three months following the accident 100 FAA specialists devoted more than 13,000 hours to the Flight 800 investigation.

Currently, the FAA is conducting an extensive review of NTSB recommendations issued to lessen the possibility of a center wing fuel tank explosion. Far from “refusing” the NTSB’s request to act quickly, we have repeatedly said that while the recommendations hold promise, we must be sure that any changes increase safety without imposing unknown risks. The NTSB agrees that additional scientific data are needed and has scheduled flight tests.

In the final analysis, what is most important is identifying and implementing safe solutions, as quickly as possible. However, quick solutions are not always safe solutions. Investigations such as this evoke intense debate about causes and solutions. Such an open exchange is healthy, and a thorough analysis is in keeping with our mission: the safety and security of the U.S. aviation system.

BARRY L. VALENTINE

Acting Administrator, FAA

Washington