Says Partial Government Shutdown To Blame For Slowing The Board's Efforts

Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA) has sent a letter to NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman reiterating his request for a “thorough investigation” of the fatal Santa Monica Airport accident on September 29.

Rep. Waxman (pictured) said in a news release that he initially requested the investigation on October 2, during the partial government shutdown. Hersman’s response to the October 2 letter confirms that “safety was compromised by stopping the investigation” as a result of the government shutdown, undermining the ability of the NTSB to collect evidence in a timely manner.

In the letter, Rep. Waxman said that while he understood that the partial government shutdown was not Hersman's fault, he has serious concerns about safety issues at Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) "The community surrounding Santa Monica Airport has had long-standing concerns about the safety of the airport. They have warned that SMO is an accident waiting to happen, and I have been fighting for safety improvements for many years. The airport is located just feet from many homes, and as I noted in my previous letter, the Santa Monica Airport Commission Chairman believes that if the plane had not struck the hangar, it might have gone over an embankment and crashed into nearby residences.

"It is critically important that NTSB conduct its investigation into the accident as thoroughly and expeditiously as is possible. I thank you for NTSB’s commitment to this matter under the challenges created by the senseless government shutdown and stand ready to assist in any and all ways."

"I urge you to redouble your efforts on this investigation to make up for any impediments caused by the shutdown," Waxman wrote."

FMI: http://waxman.house.gov