According to NBC 4 Washington, the families of the victims from the tragic midair collision near Reagan National Airport are joining with lawmakers to introduce new legislation.

The collision in January 2025 between an American Airlines jet and a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter was the deadliest plane crash on United States soil since 2001. The families of the victims are now working to introduce new legislation to make air travel safer. 

The legislation will require all aircraft to have transponders known as ADS-B systems turned on at all times. These transponders broadcast an aircraft’s position in real time and are faster than other technologies currently in use. As a result of the collision, 67 people lost their lives, and now the families are fighting for safer skies. On the night of the crash, the U.S. Army helicopter did not have its ADS-B system fully operating.

Doug Lane, whose wife and son died in the crash, said, “This is not about politics for us; it’s about saving lives. Every meaningful step towards transparency, accountability, and safer skies is a victory for every family who has suffered an unimaginable loss.” The NTSB said that this legislation will help save lives. Tim Lilley, father of Sam, who was the first officer on the American Airlines flight, stated, “This is not going to be Sam’s legacy to die in vain. Sixty-seven really great people lost their lives that night, and there’s no reason for that.”

Three days of hearings regarding the crash began on Wednesday, July 30th. The victims’ families and lawmakers have introduced this new legislation. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel news.

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