Release #: 25.06
February 12, 2025

ALPA Recognizes 16 Years Since Fatal Colgan Air Crash

McLean, Va.— Sixteen years after Colgan Air Flight 3407 claimed 50 lives near Buffalo, N.Y., Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) President Capt. Jason Ambrosi reflected on the accident that transformed aviation safety standards.

"Sixteen years ago today, America experienced a tragic aviation accident near Buffalo, New York. Fifty people lost their lives, and we continue to mourn with the families of Flight 3407.

"Following the accident, we supported the NTSB investigation to understand what happened and advocated for changes to improve the safety of our skies. Out of that tragedy, we strengthened the law to require more training and experience and prohibit pilots from being forced to work when fatigued. Those changes helped build the safest aviation system in the world.

"We recognize that the Colgan anniversary isn't the only reason for our grief today. On January 29, PSA Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided in midair near Washington National Airport, leaving 67 people dead, including two members of our union. Their loved ones' loss is our own, and we will continue to do everything we can to support them through this tragedy.

"Just as we did 16 years ago, we are a party to the investigation and assisting the NTSB to understand exactly what happened. The NTSB will issue their findings and from those will make meaningful recommendations needed for change so an accident like this can never happen again. It will then be up to us as an industry to enact those recommendations so that no families experience this pain again.

"Airline pilots place the safety of our passengers and fellow crew members front and center every time we fly. We train for life to protect the flying public and the communities under our wings, never resting when it comes to improving aviation safety."

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 79,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org