The Crash of Flight 3407

The Crash of Flight 3407

On Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 10:17 pm, Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed into a house in Clarence Center, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. All forty-nine passengers and crew members were killed. One man in the house also lost his life.

The twin-engine turboprop belonged to Colgan Air, a regional airline company serving Continental Airlines. The flight had originated in Newark, New Jersey. It crashed only a few miles from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport.

This composite of stories begins the night of the crash. WIVB-TV’s Lisa Flynn was the first to report that it was a commercial airliner that crashed, not a small plane, as had been first thought. The crash sent a shock wave across Western New York. Many of the victims were from the Buffalo area.

Families and friends of those who perished in the crash remembered their loved ones during grief stricken moments, and Western New York went through a period of mourning. Many questions were raised about the cause of the crash and whether the crew had been properly trained to operate this particular aircraft. Family members began attending hearings in Washington DC and closely followed the investigation.

A year after the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board determined that pilot error was the probable cause of the accident. Captain Marvin Renslow had failed to correctly respond to a stall, which is the sudden reduction in lift of an aircraft. The pilot had pulled back on the control column, tilting the nose of the plane up instead of lowering it and applying full power.

Families had begun questioning whether Federal Aviation Administration regulations for regional airlines were adequate. Critical safety issues raised included pilot training and fatigue. On the one year anniversary of the crash, family members and supporters walked from the accident site on Long Street in Clarence to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to draw attention to their cause.

In a series of WIVB investigative reports, Rich Newberg revealed that internal emails from Colgan Airlines were obtained by lawyers representing the relatives of deceased passengers. They indicated that pilot Marvin Renslow had training problems and appeared not ready to handle the Bombardier Q400 aircraft. However, a month later he was flying the plane. When Newberg questioned an attorney representing Colgan Air, he maintained that Capt. Renslow was qualified to fly the plane.

Attorneys representing the crash victims determined that Colgan Air had been expanding air routes and moving to fifteen of the bigger models of the Q 400 planes. Attorney Hugh Russ said Colgan was “desperately looking for pilots to fly these planes.” Russ said, “These emails in our judgement prove that Colgan sacrificed safety for profits.”

Families charged that Colgan Air had withheld the emails during the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB then ordered Colgan Air’s parent company, Pinnacle Airlines, to produce the internal emails in question. The company said it would comply.

A former Colgan Air crew scheduler came forward and told Newberg that the airline would fly pilots who lacked sleep to cover each leg of a flight itinerary. Colgan had no comment.

Eventually, the families, after many trips to Washington, got the FAA to implement tougher regulations including more hours of flight training and a requirement that airlines keep more extensive records detailing how pilots performed during training. Measures were also implemented to cut down on pilot fatigue.

Deborah Hersman, who was chair of the NTSB, told Rich Newberg, “…the families in this accident have been simply amazing. We have seen some incredible grace come out of the people who have gone through the worst experience of their life to really come together and try to determine if there’s anything good that can come from this, to make sure that no one has to go through what they went through. They have been a strong voice. They have been aggressive. They’ve been educated on the issues, and they’ve been a great help to the safety board as we try to focus attention on the issues related to this accident.”

2009 - 2012

Rich Newberg Reports Collection

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WIVB (Television Station : Buffalo, N.Y.)

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All the breaking news that we are following tonight Clarence Center, a plane unknown what type of plane has crashed tonight into a home on Long Street in Price Center. And it is a commercial plane and be the first time in the history of the Buffalo Niagara airport that we've had a plane crash of a commercial flight here. News four's Lisa Flynn is live right now in Clarence center with new information right now Lisa Jackie it appears to be just that I've just spoken to a representative from New York State Police. He's standing right at the scene. He confirms for me that it was a large jetliner that crashed with 5060 people on board. He says that jetliner is fully involved as is the home. I also spoke to Trisha Cruz who was able to get right to the scene and she said it crashed right near the Clarence center fire hall which is right on Clarence center road and that's exactly what we were told that it was in that area. Now, Trisha tells me that the whole area is filled with a thick smoke. We could barely see anything. So there are dozens of emergency vehicles that have responded to the scene. Firefighters trying to put out the blades. But we have been told again it was a large commercial jetliner that crashed over there. With 50 to 60 people on board their fate is not known. To what's right now but it doesn't sound good out there. Dan and Jackie. Are residents this was a traumatic experience as you can imagine. As far as Rob Mac I was spoke with people who live near the spot where flight 3407 went down Fire fighters spent the night at the crash scene spraying water and foam on the wreckage. You can see large pieces of the plane on top of and behind the level house on Long Street in Clarence center. Sam ... lives about a block away and heard an unusually loud engine noise. I knew some was up and I thought to myself What about plane crashes and right when I saw that I heard a huge explosion over there. And in my periphery I saw like the window I saw the orange. The orange flash and I knew a plane crash. Sam rushed to the scene because he knows the people who live next door to the house the plane hit you can feel the heat already very hot. It was very bright. The flames were very... Shirley Hammond lives at the corner of long and Naples. She was doing a puzzle. She heard the noise and then she came to her window and couldn't believe what she saw and heard this awful noise I went over to the kitchen window and I think that noise and the light coming down and all of a sudden me I went bang fire and I yelled to my husband I just get out of bed. I said the plane came in originally thought the plane crashed in her yard and the magnitude of this crash didn't hit her until much later. I thought maybe it was a little small plane. And then they tell me it's a big one. I don't think I want my daughter come back from Florida. Even as firefighters continue their efforts, investigators wasted no time getting here to begin their search for answers. In Clarence center. Rob Macco us for fear immeasurable heartbreak. How did it happen? And we've already done some initial analysis and auditions those recordings Why did flight 3407 fall from the sky? And good evening. No one ever expected it to happen here but it did. 50 lives lost in that fiery disaster. And the search for answers has only just begun. We begin our live team coverage tonight with news for investigative reporter Luke Moretti in Clarence. Now, Lou, at least that's right. Federal investigators arrived in the Buffalo area around 830 this morning and the first order of business get the black box recorders and start piecing the puzzle together. Wow, something went terribly wrong five miles from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport This aircraft was five miles out. All of a sudden we have always thought that aircraft continental flight 3407 fell off the radar screen on final approach crashing into a home and Clarence sounded like the plane like the engine was like sputtering and then next you know just kind of like cut out you can hear just like a big ball of flame. 50 people died 49 on board and Doug Wielinsky who was in his Clarence home when the plane came crashing down. His wife Karen and their daughter Jill escaped the home with minor injuries. Hours later, federal investigators recovered the cockpit voice and flight data recorders entertaining conversations that crew was having leading up to a buffalo landing. Say we're talking about significant ice buildup on the windshield and on the leading edge of the wings. Investigators say that the icing button was selected but it's unclear if it actually worked. Then one minute before the end of the recording the landing gear goes down the airplane experienced severe pitch and roll moments. We saw that on the flight data recorder not normal says the NTSB Steve .. remember they're setting up to land. So you would expect the airplane to be flying nice and smooth landing configuration getting slower and slower so they couldn't get down to the landing speed and flying straight and level. Meanwhile, Buffalo FBI agents continue assisting with evidence gathering and recovery. They're still does not appear to be anything through our interviews that we've gleaned that would indicate at this time that there is any criminal activity involved or anything else to that matter. In the coming days. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office will be working to recover the remains of victims from the Clarence crash site. Health Commissioner Dr. Anthony Billitier says it could take weeks and require DNA matching part of what we all need is to obtain DNA from family members and any DNA that may exist from the victims from the past or life back here and Clarence the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office is providing daily briefings for family members in an effort to answer their questions and hopefully provide some comfort. In the meantime, the FBI is asking anyone with information about the crash to call them at 71685678 800 That's 7168567 810 20 Tonight, and just a few minutes from now will mark 24 hours since the crash and the Erie County Sheriff's Office is going to conduct a minute of silence to mark this tragic event. recovery phase of this continues first thing in the morning. We're live in Clarence tonight, Luke Moretti for the 10 o'clock Yeah. All right, thanks. Well, a normal night at home instantly turned into a nightmare for the family inside the house the plane barrel into and tonight we're about to hear from the wife and mother who made it out alive. I happen to notice a little light on the right of need. That tiny bit of light was Karen Wielinsky ray of hope she has survived the impact of the plane striking your Longstreet home and Clarence center. Taryn told WBEN radio how she got out and then just kind of pushed what was the part of that often sold out the hole? Karen's 22 year old daughter Jill was upstairs in the front of the house when the plane hit she to miraculously survived and found an opening and when I got her I mean of course she wanted to know where duck was. I didn't know. And to me, it looks like the plane just came down in the middle of the house. And unfortunately, that's where Doug was. Karen's husband, 61 year old Doug Wielinsky did not make it out. Karen says Doug was in the dining room working then his beloved sports memorabilia when the plane hit the woolen skis are well known in the Clarence School District, where Karen's a secretary, dog and engineer is a Vietnam veteran who frequently came to the school to do lectures on Vietnam. When students were always enthralled. There is like, just a vibrant person. As we told you, the families of those lost in the crash of Flight 3407 knew the crash site for the first time yesterday. senior correspondent rich Newberg talk with the parents with 34 year old Jennifer Neal, who was expecting her first child. He joins us now live from Clarence. Well, the Neil family has shown extraordinary courage during these trying times. Jim Neil has reached out to so many others it's part of his way of dealing with the pain. We thank the Lord for the faith keeps kind of keeps us glued together. It was the faith of Jim and Mary Neal that helped them stay strong when they visited the crash site of flight 3407 on Monday. Their daughter Jennifer, six months pregnant perished in the crash. Her fiancé Todd Ecker said he needed to go to the site and the family accompanied him just to have seen the site I think maybe most important and to promote a type of closure. There was heavy lifting a plane parts and sounds you would hear at a construction site. But Jim Neil was focused on first responders and uniformed officers and the dignity they showed the families it was hard for him to talk about it. I don't know if it will get through it. But it's unbelievable. The face of God is everywhere. at the crash site, Jim Neil wanted to reach out to everyone and try to help ease their pain and sacred ground. There are 50 people that I prayed for, even though I'm one of them, but they needed and the security people needed hugs he said Jim Neill wanted to have them on and the families as a group and thanked all of the agencies involved for the respect and the dignity they have shown. Reporting live in Clarence Rich Newburgh news for at five. For the families that have visited the crash site talking about that experience can be very painful with the parents of Jennifer Neal who was expecting her first child or learning leaning their fate to pull them through. senior correspondent rich Newberg is live tonight in Clarence with their story rich. Well, Jim Neill has reached out to all the families and even first responders right from the beginning because helping others seems to help him deal with his loss. Amid the flowers and confusion of the crash site, there was the father of gender for meal rain, not only for the soul of his daughter, but for everyone around him as well. It's sacred ground. There are 50 people here that I prayed for, even though I'm one of them, but they needed. Governor David Paterson was struck by Jim Neal's outreach the day after the crash when the governor met with the families was walking around consoling the families of the other loved ones that were lost, and we ended up learning that he was actually someone who had lost his daughter, a daughter. Who couldn't wait to be a new mother, a woman with a sense of humor and a sense of compassion. at the crash site. Her father was comforted by those around him and in some way wanted to return the feeling. There must have been a couple of 100 state police and sheriff there and I wanted to hug them all but you can. Well, Jim Neil says faith is the glue that has held his family together and all the families of bank all the agencies that responded the way they did with dignity and respect. Reporting live from parents rich Newberg news four and six. Sharon's Jonah and Jake suddenly left without a mother lit a candle in her memory and 1000 people in mourning try to hold on to the image of Susan Whaley, the spirited and spiritual woman with a contagious smile. We still see Susan in our mind's eye we see her magnificent face smile or bouncing curly hair. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors Cantor Susan Whaley reached out with a one world view to all generations especially the young and had developed a program for Jewish Muslim and Christian youth so they could discover what they had in common. Not one thing that's been untouched at a loss or every one of us has been touched by Susan spirit, her home and her outreach for peace among us all. And this service was filled with music many of the songs Susan would say, to inspire others to make a difference in the world. Honor Susan by kindling your own lane, which Kindles that farewell you made your mark and all here today are your witnesses. Rich Newberg news four One week after the tragedy the parents of Ellyce Kausner are sharing memories of their daughter. They sat down today with senior correspondent rich Newberg. It just feels so incomplete without her Ellyce Kausner was a child who blazed her own path in life. She was on her way to a law degree and was always ready to take anyone on in a verbal sparring match. He would spark some controversy or say some outrageous thing that would get us all laughing and she had a passion for a life a love of animals and found great joy and sharing good times with her for nephews and a niece knowing those times are gone forever. Adds to the pain for Ellie sister. overwhelming grief that they will not have her. There is so much love that is that I feel like as has been stripped away from them. Ellie's brother Chris was among the first people at the scene of the crash and found the courage to tell his family and the community what had just happened. But a week later, Chris is having problems dealing with that moment. The whole part where she dies in a fiery plane crash in our backyard. On national news. I cannot get my head around that. Ellie's Father John remembers the last minutes with his daughter his last minute decision to have lunch with her down in Florida six days before the crash even though he was busy and running late. She looked at me with a really nice and bright smiles and I love you guys and I love you honey. I'll see you soon. Kids turn until we left and that was a great memory for me. Take a moment to tell those you love how you feel about them said John Klausner adding you just never know. Rich Newberg News Four we first heard about the loss of Ellyce from her brother on that terrible night a week ago tonight. The family talk with senior correspondent rich Newberg about Ellyce live saying she packed a lot into her 24 years heading for a law degree and hoping someday to raise a family. Their family was close knit and her father remembers his last minutes with Ellie when he made time to have lunch with her. She looked really nice and bright smile and said, I love you dearly. And I said I love you honey. I'll see you soon. kissed her and that's how we left and that was a great memory for me. Tell them you love them says John never take a moment he says adding you just never know. You can see Rich's entire interview with the Kausner Family on our website@wib.com we all remember the crash of Flight 30 4072 and a half months ago. That's right. Tonight...takes us on an emotional journey with a widow who visited the crash site today for the very first time. The neighborhood is quiet. The sky is blue. And for Jennifer West. It's the very first time she's been to the flight 34 07 crash site in Clarence center it almost looks like nothing happened. Exactly. Exactly. it in a way that's spoken in a way that I don't want to forget and that's why I think a Park would be really nice. Husband Ernie West a Northrop Grumman employee was on the ill fated plane. Now Jennifer is left caring for their two year old daughter's summer. She can't help but think of her husband's last moments. Can you imagine this break? Darren Tolsma also a Northrop Grumman employee died in the crash. He survived by his wife Robin and their two children Darren and Nicky. Both wives have become very close since suffering such a profound loss. Robin postman says visiting the site it says some comfort from the pain we try so hard to like fool ourselves into thinking that they're like their own business trip still and that they're gonna come home. You know, that's how we sometimes get through the day. Almost. It's a denial thing. Yeah, very much because we didn't get to see them and say goodbye. The crash site on Long Street remains empty. Much like Robin and Jennifer feel inside. They take stones from the ground, a way of finding something that was lost in this neighborhood. So many questions, never knowing I don't know what additional ones I don't know anything I just know that he's not here. Next month, the National Transportation Safety Board will hold hearings on the plane crash. Family members who lost loved ones are hoping to get some answers the truth about what happened. Robin and Jennifer say they will lean on each other to get through it. Luke Moretti news for if we had known say when Captain Renslow was in training that we had falsified his application and left off to fail check rides he would have been immediately dismissed. Good evening, federal investigators are now questioning whether long commutes low pay and a misleading job application may have all added up to disaster in the cockpit of flight 3407 A second day of NTSB hearing shifted to the backgrounds of both the captain and his first officer. Tonight. We do though that first officer Rebecca Shaw made a base salary of just over $16,000 a year. She flew from Seattle to Newark the night before the crash and was often seen sleeping overnight in the crew room, and that's against company policy. Investigative reporter Luke Moretti is in Washington tonight low pay and long commutes are what investigators focused in on during day two of the crash. Erin's one NTSB board member called it a recipe for disaster. In the case of flight 34 07 Full pilot Rebecca Shaw was paid a salary solo about $16,000 a year she worked a second job at one point I can't believe it my son will be starting off more than intern with a two year degree and and and the first officer also worked at a coffee house as well as flying the aircraft that's ridiculous. And Shaw may have been suffering from .. for having to commute to her job in New Jersey from her home in Seattle. When we get on a plane every time every one of us gets on the plane. We think that's a Top Gun pilot that Toronto that's flying this plane. And this testimony we hear that that's not always the case being wild. Colgan air executives were peppered with questions about the thoroughness of background checks for prospective pilots. Captain Marvin Renslow According to testimony, failed pre check rides or pilot tests before Hogan hired them. If we had known say when Captain Renzo was in training, we had falsified his application and left off to fail check rides, he would have been immediately dismissed. Colgan officials acknowledge that rents low and Shaw were not paying close attention to the planes instruments and did not follow airline procedures for responding to his stall. I asked the National Transportation Safety board's acting chairman, how that fits into the agency's investigation. That's what resulted in the accident. But this accident may have begun. The events that created the accidents may have this Act may have gotten not just an hour or two or three before, but maybe days, maybe months, maybe even years. Family members of flight 34 07 crash victims we're back on Capitol Hill once again, as he helped make air travel safer in Washington loop. My resume is four. Day three of the National Transportation Safety board's hearing wrapped up here in Washington DC. Once again pilot training was the focus. Federal investigators dig for answered on this last day of hearings in the Colgan air crash or questions about what the crew did not do think this crew went from complacency to catastrophe in 30 seconds and they didn't see it coming. 50 people died in Clarence Center when a plane stalled and crashed. According to testimony Captain Marvin run slow pull the nose up when he should have done the opposite. In this case, I don't see any evidence that he ever understood the situation some NTSB board members expressed frustration in the way the FAA deals with the agency's safety recommendations. Ask for changes based on accidents based on serious situations. And the fact is, change doesn't really happen. We have to have a collaborative process in place to work because it's not an issue that can be solved. solely from directing family members of crash victims listen to three days of testimony detailing all that went wrong. The bottom line is they weren't trained to handle the situation they were told. She by her own record said she'd never seen it before that is unimaginable their week in Washington brought a lot of pain and watched an animation of the last moments of the flight on a big screen. They read the cockpit voice recorder transcript as disturbing as it was, but they had each other get through a scene with all the other families. That a huge comfort for me. It really has there's no one who can understand what we're going through except for families. It could be months before the NTSB releases an official cause of the crash and Clarence Center. The meantime a Senate subcommittee on aviation announced today that it will hold hearings next month to regional airlines safe in Washington move correct news. National Transportation Safety Board reveals the probable cause of the crash of white burden 407. Almost one year after the tragedy and crime center federal investigators blamed pilot error and claim the FAA has failed to address critical problems allowing history to repeat itself at the expense of many lives. And it's the same thing over and over again. We have made recommendations time after time after time they have not been heated by the FAA are good evening to you the NTSB says complacency and critical failures by the pilots apply for the pool seven lead to catastrophe. Today in Washington investigators say weather did not cause the crash, but rather a captain Marvin Renslow became startled and confused with a plane Stick Shaker activated. Investigators also pointed out critical errors in the final seconds of flight saying happened Red Bull is the exact opposite of what he should have done to recover from a stall. The hearing also citing unnecessary pocket conversation and cell phone use. Colgan air pilot training is being questioned along with the FAA in response to safety recommendations. That will begin our extensive team coverage tonight with us or senior correspondent which neighbor who's joining us live tonight from Washington. Good evening rich. Hello Jackie. Well, the problems that caused the crash of Flight 3407 are not new and that is hard for families to hear. But western New York families who lost loved ones are getting a lot of help in their fight to bring about change. It was an emotional start for some families of crash victims that had not seen the video simulation of flight 3407 going out of control I just can't imagine the fear that everyone felt. And I'm glad I watched it because I want to be with Him in every moment. Fear brought on after the Colgan pilots mishandled the warning says the NTSB that the plane was about to stall the appropriate response to the stall a response that may have reflected inadequate training by Colgan air on the prevention and recovery of full stalls should Colgan have been training full stalls in the simulator. Yes or no? Yes. And in the airline industry, it isn't saying its speed is like and clearly the reason this thing went down is they weren't monitored vigorously. The NTSB has more than 20 safety recommendations for the FAA, including areas of pilot performance training and fatigue issues that we've seen time and time again. And unfortunately, it's taking 50 more lives for us to focus additional attention on these issues that have not been addressed. The FAA slow response to change has been frustrating for these families and their supporters, including the co pilot who helped land a plane on the Hudson it's been a year now since this accident, and absolutely nothing has changed. We've got nothing but rhetoric and studies and talk from the FAA. The families are insisting on 1500 hours of flight training or regional airline islands. Jennifer West brought a rock from the crash site and an angel carrying the name Becky, for the mother of 3407. copilot Rebecca Shaw is to let her know that we know she's going through the same pain of losing a daughter and that you know we stand behind her. The NTSB has more than 20 safety recommendations for the FAA, including areas of pilot performance training and fatigue issues that we've seen time and time again, and unfortunately, it's taken 50 more lives for us to focus additional attention on these issues that have not been addressed. The FAA slow response to change has been frustrating for these families and their supporters, including the co pilot who help land a plane on the Hudson. It's been a year now since this accident and absolutely nothing has changed. We've got nothing but rhetoric and studies and talk from the FAA. The families are insisting on 1500 hours of flight training for regional airline miles. Jennifer West brought our rock from the crash site, and an angel carrying the name Becky, for the mother of 3407 co pilot Rebecca Shaw is to let her know that we know she's going through the same pain of losing a daughter and that you know, we stand behind her. I just want to say to the families and the friends who lost people, literal families and sorry for their loss are now coming up at 530 The Safety Board Chairman talks about the families many from the Buffalo area and the role that they are playing in trying to move the FAA into action. Reporting live in Washington which Newburgh news for at five buffalo families are relentless longing for reform and claim it some are claiming that there's been a death year at higher levels at the FAA level. I have to tell you, the families in this accident have been simply amazing. We have seen some incredible grace come out of people who've gone through the worst experience of their life, to really come together and try to determine if there's anything that's good that could come from this. It's to make sure that no one has to go through what they went through. They have been a strong voice. They have been aggressive. They've been educated on the issues. And they've been a great help to the Safety Board as we try to focus attention on issues related to this accident. Today's finding cited fatal mistakes at a point when every second counted. US for investigative reporter we have the next layer of our team coverage tonight. Will Jackie errors by the pilots not icing that's the word from federal investigators who have spent nearly a year examining the crash of Flight 34 07. Today's report described the startled crew reacting improperly. pilot error tops the list of factors and the crash must always know what her speech are at all the time. Federal investigators say Captain Marvin wrens low and first officer Rebecca Shaw did not take action as the plane's airspeed slowed his failure to make standard ...s for even a declarative statement associated with recovery it can further suggest that he was not responding to the situation using the Welborn habit pattern. They even entered contradictory Speed Warning information into the cockpit computer before takeoff according to NTSB stat. In the final seconds of the flight, the plane Stick Shaker warning of a stall activated, there was adequate time for the food to take action before the stick shaker that was followed by the plane stick pusher that points the plane's nose down during his stall investigators say Captain Rennes lo made the wrong decision by pulling back on the stick. He did it not once but three times. The captain's improper flight controller was for instead consistent with startle and confusion. Last year news for flew with test pilots from Cal spans Niagara Falls operation they showed us what it's like when the stick shaker and pusher activate a shaker. Notice I can come in and out of the shaker all I want. Investigators say First Officers shots should have stepped in to take action before the situation was not recoverable. I do think there was time it wasn't just a split second thing I think this is a fairly large stable spray wing airplane. There was time to evaluate the situation and take recovery. Another issue involves the non essential talk between the pilots during the flight from Newark to Buffalo board member Robert some wall an airline captain for more than 20 years summed it up this way. It was as if the flight was just a means for the captain to conduct a conversation with this young first officer. Now Colgan air which operated the flight for Continental was also criticized for not giving Renzo remedial attention. Despite his failures on several check rides. The company said in a statement that the pilots were properly trained and how to recover from a stall. Luke Moretti News Four Well family is unable to make it to Washington for today's hearing are relying on each other to remain strong as more answers are revealed. Use for His glory Schultz is live from the Millennium hotel and she grew up with tonight Laurie? Well Jackie right now there's a 10 minute break so you can see the doors to the Cleveland room are open and that's where family members have been watching the hearing via satellite here. At the millennium. It's been a long emotional day for all of them, including a clearance mom who lost her husband and her home in the crash. This is something that happened at my house and that's her. Karen Wielinsky can easily recall the night flight 3407 crashed and her clearance home She not only lost her husband, she and her daughter survived. I don't know that right off I know. It's rough rough for my girls to go down and see the flight Wielinski in about 30 family members whose loved ones perished in the crash watch the hearings via satellite at the Millennium Hotel. Shannon Green's husband Brad was on that flight. His wedding band was retrieved she wears it around her neck of the water. So it's my husband. She's pushing for mandated legislation regarding pilot training. Captain to me means a leader and somebody ready to go ready to leave. And I'm disappointed and I guess I expect more from the industry. Michael ... you know hopes the FAA listens to the recommendations. His wife Dawn was killed on that flight. It is a great opportunity. But I'm not all that confident that changes will be made. The aviation industry is lobbying hard changes from being made, but the 3407 group is well organized and stands united. Karen Wielinski is right there with them. The work to do now is to get the recommendations implemented and and to get some changes made that are gonna stop things like this from happening. And Karen also says that she's very pleased that the findings are being released prior to the one year anniversary next week. She's not sure what she's going to do but she does know for sure that she won't be going to the site now much more on that coming up at 530. Live and to do all the Lori Schultz needs for the head of the FAA faced a grilling today on Capitol Hill amid passionate calls to prevent another tragedy like the crash of Flight 3407. This comes on the heels of the NTSB stunning report on the cause of the crash news for senior correspondent Rich Newberg brings us the very latest tonight, rich? While the FAA is new administrator Randy Babbitt is big on voluntary compliance by the airline when it comes to safety standards. But a year after the crash of Flight 3407 That isn't going over well with victims families, lawmakers or the government's chief inspector for transportation. Progress has been slow in implementing initiatives with the greatest potential to improve safety before the House aviation subcommittee, harsh criticism of the FAA now under a new administrator Randy Babbitt, who did not win points when he said change could be years in the making installation The industry didn't devolve into the state of where we see serious gaps in professionalism and attention in the cockpit overnight. It took years and it's gonna take us years to get it bring it back. I think the confidence of the American public is reducing every day that we delay. The crash in Clarence now attributed to pilot error has again raised issues that must be addressed issues of pilot training, professionalism and hiring practices, the poor performing pilot and the pilot in the Colgan crash who repeatedly failed certain training evolutions and we need to be concentrating more on hiring practices with some of the airlines and and weeding some of these folks out that do not belong in the cockpit families of 3407. crash victims had hoped FAA action on tougher safety standards would be implemented as quickly as possible, but unfortunately, as possible means what looks to be a very long timeline. And that's the very frustrating part about this With this bureaucracy that is the FAA has been so screwed up and tied in a knot over the last several years that to wait for them to get something done despite Babbitt's best efforts is going to take too long and that's why I think we need legislation. And Senator Schumer expects the Senate to bring up the FAA bill in the next month. Many provisions have the backing of the families of crash victims and Senator Schumer says he will add an amendment requiring 1500 hours of training for both the pilot and co pilot. Reporting live rich Newberg news for at five. Robin Tolsma who lost her husband Darren in the crash says it's time for President Obama to weigh in on this legislation. Tolsma sent this question to Katie Couric through wivb.com She said I want to know why President Obama has not mentioned one single word about the FAA reauthorization bill, which would save 1000s of lives each year. CBS News is asking viewers to send in their questions for Katie Couric presidential interview, which airs this Sunday before the Superbowl. The families applied for the 407 will reunite on the anniversary of the crash next Friday, February 12. The public is invited to join in a memorial walk which will begin at the crash site on Long Street in Clarence center and continue on to the buffalo airport. There will be several rest stops along the way. If you'd like to register you can find a link on Wi Fi ve.com. So we ask for your safety today to keep us safe and to keep the memory and presence of our loved ones in our hearts. After a prayer the relatives and friends of crash victims set out for the airport and miles away to complete the journey. They're loved. She wouldn't be the first one I'd get my check today. She really was a great daughter a great sister. She would just persevere. To love you. We want to honor our people. We're marching for a cause and aviation safety change. Let's take the untrained, tired, unqualified train and make a better system. That's what that's what the goal is the House of Representatives in October the master very comprehensive bill that will be the biggest change in aviation safety since the FAA was formed if we had to deal with a lot of problems in the Senate right now. The memorial walkers were greeted by schoolchildren from the Nativity of various schools and clouds their parishes lost three of its members in the crash. We need to support them, the families and show them that we actually really care about them and that we want them to know that our loves. After about five hours, the marchers reached the airport. They had been joined by Senator Chuck Schumer, who walked the last mile with that, but the road to change can be long and winding a community. Hopefully it continues saying look, we notice a problem and why don't we fix it it's hard but family members of flight 3407 victims find courage and strength in the aftermath of tragedy tonight at 1017 It will be the 360/5 time I've had that countdown but devastation of losing loved ones serves as the catalyst for change. We're here because we're concerned about the safety of those leaving here this morning. The safety of your loved ones family members have been pushing for better training for pilots, especially those on regional airlines like Colgan air, which operated flight 3407 That's the plane that crashed in Clarence center one year ago. This news conference is another opportunity for families to push the FAA and the government to take action Today was a 10 mile walk. And the last year was at least 1000 miles for us all. I do have to remind you the next month or two months in Washington is going to feel like 10,000 miles. The Senate is set to look at legislation improving airline safety including requiring newly hired co pilots to have 1500 hours of flying experience. Now we're going to march the last mile to get all of the changes that they have sought enacted into law Captain Jeff Stiles The Miracle on the Hudson co pilot hopes those changes come soon. For the sake of everyone. Anybody who knows me knows I do not like to be called a hero. People call me a hero. I am not these people are the buffalo families. You are all my heroes. You will always be my heroes. Heroes vowing to be heard in honor of loved ones last mile is ... news for the families of flight 3407 Share with a call a smoking gun against Colgan air. It's a major story you saw it first on Wi bv.com Good evening everyone Jackie's often I know one investigates like news for chilling evidence from the families of flight 3407 that they say will prove that pilot Marvin Winslow should not have been in the cockpit on that fateful night. News four's Rich Newberg brings us the shocking developments now rich Don, these are the emails that attorneys for the victims of flight 3407 Say provide a smoking gun leading up to the 2009 crash in Clarence center. The crash of Flight 3407 killed 49 passengers including a pregnant woman and one man in his home on Long Road in Clarence. Families of victims have said the pilot Marvin Winslow was not qualified to handle the queue 400 bombard the aircraft. Now their attorneys say they had the emails to prove it. These emails in our judgment prove that Cogan sacrificed safety for profits. Internal emails from Colgan air is top management mentioned runs low as a possible candidate to fly the q 400. You might want to check the training records there is something in the back of my mind on Rennes low says dot Chaplain Caulkins chief pilot Bill Honan says yes, you are correct. Renzo had a problem upgrading Harry Mitchell Colgan is Vice President of Operations says anyone that does not meet the men's minimum requirements and had problems and training before is not ready to tackle the queue. Bill Honan says he is already off the list. Harry Mitchell. Great thanks. A month later say attorneys Rennes low was flying the aircraft. I might add that Colgan is not able to prove that Marvin wrens low underweight underwent any kind of remedial training or other special training that would have changed him from a position of not being qualified to being qualified. An attorney for Colgan air told me Captain Renslow had passed the Q 400 test and would had to have passed in order to have flown the aircraft that day. He would not comment further. But Maryland counselor who's 24 year old daughter Ellie died in the crash says this renews her heart ache because she believes the crash was preventable. Airlines knew they had unqualified pilots. They put them in the air anyway, the consequences were deadly. And it's such a callousness. towards human life. Attorneys for victims families say Colgan was struggling financially in 2008. While expanding its air routes and increasing the size of its planes. They say the airline was desperately looking for pilots. More on that coming up at six reporting live rich Newburgh news for at five Thanks Rich be sure to stay with us for and Wi vb.com For the very latest latest and these major developments in the flight 3407 story. New emails suggest the pilot of doom continental flight 3407 was not qualified to be in the cockpit. We broke the story first on wi v v.com. And senior correspondent rich Newberg has what attorneys called the smoking gun tonight Rich, well done these are emails now made public that attorneys for victims families say proves that Captain Marvin Rennes Lowe was not qualified to fly the plane that crashed in Clarence Kogan managers were talking about Renslow. These are quotes you may want to check the records. There was something on the back of my mind on Winslow. Yes, you are correct. Renzo had a problem upgrading anyone that does not meet the men's minimum requirements. And had problems and training before is not ready to tackle the queue. That's the cue 400 claim. He is already off the list. Great. Thanks. A month later say attorneys Renzo was flying the aircraft. I have not taken news this hard and a long time and I don't know what it is. I think it's I think it's just the outrage that they didn't care. I want attorney for Colgan air told me Captain Winslow was qualified to fly the Q 400 aircraft he had no further comment we'll hear from an attorney for the victims families coming up at six reporting live rich Newberg news for had 530. Just ahead flight 3407 families say the emails are the smoking gun against Colgan air and news for has and three serious injuries after grinding crash into a tree news for it six starts right here right now. You're watching Tony YV TV, probably serving buffalo griffins here and all of Western New York. With Jackie Walker, Don Vogel's sports with John Murphy and whether Whitman while just don Vaughn live from California in Buffalo, keeping you connected. This is new four at 6am Good evening everyone. Jackie is off tonight. You're seeing this story first on four news for has the emails of flight 3407 attorneys are calling the smoking gun and their case against Colgan air senior correspondent Rich Newberg reports. The Colgan emails indicate the airline new the pilot was not qualified for that cockpit. In the months before the crash of Flight 3407 and Claridge which claimed 50 lives including a pregnant woman, Colgan air was expanding its air routes and moving to bigger planes. According to her attorneys for victims families. Colgan was struggling financially. Colgan was undertaking a new program with new planes, these two 400 planes 15 of them and at the time Colgan was desperately looking for pilots to fly these planes Internal emails from Colgan air as top management mentioned runs low as a possible candidate to fly the q 400. You might want to check the training records. There is something in the back of my mind on Renslow says dot Chaplain Caulkins chief pilot Bill Honan says yes you are correct. Resnlow had a problem upgrading. Harry Mitchell Colgan's Vice President of Operations says anyone that does not meet the men's minimum requirements and had problems and training before is not ready to tackle the queue. Bill Honan says he is already off the list. Harry Mitchell. Great thanks. A month later say attorneys Rennes Lowe was flying the aircraft. These emails in our judgment prove that Colgan sacrificed safety for profits. An attorney for Colgan air told me Captain Renzo had passed the cue 400 test and would had to have passed in order to have flown the aircraft that day. He would not comment further. But Marilyn counselor who's 24 year old daughter Ellie died in the crash says this renews her heartache because she believes the crash was preventable. The airlines knew they had unqualified pilots. They put them in the air anyway, the consequences were deadly. And it's such a callousness towards human life. Colgan had been fighting the public release of the emails until today. victims families have told me they wanted them released to help prevent this type of accident from ever happening again. Attorney Hugh rush told me the families believe this is the smoking gun. Reporting live rich Newberg news for at six Also tonight the government is getting tough on the airline accused of putting an unqualified pilot in the cockpit of flight 3407 It's a major development tied to a news for investigation. The federal government is now telling Pinnacle airlines to hand over the so called smoking gun. News force rich Newberg was first to expose the stunning emails. He brings us the latest tonight rich Pinnacle airlines the parent company of Colgan whose plane crash and clarity in 2009 has been ordered by federal accident investigators to turn over records that had been withheld. The crash killed all 49 people are on board including a pregnant woman and one man on the ground. During the hearings by the National Transportation Safety Board Kogan officials testified that pilot Captain Marvin Renslow was fully qualified to captain that aircraft but emails from Colgan top management later produced during court proceedings indicated rents low had been dropped from the list of pilots eligible to fly the new Q 400 plane that was being introduced into the fleet at the time. A month later. Renslow was flying that aircraft that crashed and Clarence there's strong reaction tonight to the demand by the Feds that Colgan turned over those emails as part of the federal investigation of this crash. As far as the family members go, we feel that Cogan hid this information because they knew it was out there and they knew it would make them look bad and it would have changed the way the investigation was handled by the NTSB or Western New York delegation. As the United States Attorney General to investigate this as well because you don't have a federal investigation in a plane crash and withhold relevant emails. That's not right. We want to find out too that he charged that he brought a spokesman for Pinnacle airlines just minutes ago told me tonight the company will comply with the NTSB request for those emails and remains confident that the company was in full compliance with FAA regulations. Much more coming up at six reporting live rich Newberg news four and five. You saw this story first time for now the National Transportation Safety Board is ordering Colgan air to produce those internal emails questioning the qualifications of the flight 3407 pilot, our senior correspondent rich Newbern broke the story and he brings us the latest almost three years after flight 3407 crashed and Clarence Center killing everyone on board and one man on the ground. Federal accident investigators are ordering Colgan air as parent company Pinnacle airlines to turn over emails from Colgan top management emails that had questioned the qualifications of pilot Marvin wrens low on the queue 400 aircraft, the plane that crashed. Those emails had surfaced in a lawsuit by victims families. I don't know how anybody could take anything that Colgan produces as truth at this point. A Colgan airlines spokesman told me the company will comply with the National Transportation Safety board's request for the emails and remains confident that the company was in full compliance with FAA regulations. But Western New York's lawmakers in Washington are calling for an expanded federal investigation. But we talked to the head of the NTSB we said you ought to be calling for a reinvestigation or at least ask for is there any other information out there that's been with help the victims families who have been fighting for tougher FAA regulations regarding the amount of training for pilots and issues of pilot fatigue, believe their cause has picked up momentum. If anything, what this will do is it'll show how strongly we need this legislation in place that we can't have a lapse in pilot training or pilot fatigue, especially the training. Congresswoman Cathy Hochul said the western New York delegation in Washington is calling for an investigation by the US Attorney General to see if any charges may be brought in this case. Reporting live Rich Newberg, News four and six. Also tonight, a former insider talks the news for and potentially loads more ammunition for the so called smoking gun in the case of flight 3407 Colgan air has come under fire since the 2009 tragedy and Clarence center and tonight a former employee has come forward she says she wouldn't set foot on a plane operated by Colgan air use for senior correspondent Rich Newberg has the latest in our ongoing investigation. Rich Gina riders scheduled crews for Colgan air at the time flight 3407 went down and Claire in stature and tonight for the first time on television she tells me how Cogan allegedly ran its operation. Sometimes she says compromising safety to save money for wise needs to stop the deception needs to stop Sheena Ryder who is visiting the memorial at Buffalo's Forest Lawn Cemetery where some of the unidentified remains of the crash victims of flight 3407. Are ferried says Colgan air should never have allowed that plane to fly from Newark to Buffalo conditions were icy and another plane that night had slid off the runway at another airport. Flight 3407 had already been delayed two hours. If I was on duty that night, I would have argued with dispatch. I wouldn't let that plane go. Gina had put flight attendant Matilda Quintero on 3407 So Matilda would have more time off with her boyfriend. The crash has left Geno's psychologically scarred, but also angry with Colgan because she says the company would fly pilots who lacked sleep, just to cover each leg of a flight itinerary. Sometimes their flight schedules were changed. Their rest was reduced. It's completely illegal. Just as long as we got it to work in the computer. It was okay Gina has joined a Facebook campaign started by 3407 widow Robin tolsma. A campaign called I will never fly Colgan air. I will never fly their planes Gina responded. Robin who visited her late husband Darren mycelium at Forest Lawn also met with Gina and told her she welcomes her support. Gina told her I'm with you. I'm with you. And I like I always say I'm going to bring COVID I'm coming for you and I'm bringing it home with me. Because I'm not gonna let you do this to one other person. Robin told me says 1600 people have joined her Facebook campaign during the past 11 days. Colgan air responded tonight to our story and this was just the end given that we have not seen the allegations says Colgan, we will not comment on them at this time. Reporting live rich Newberg news for at five. For years, Farr was first to report on Colgan air emails expressing concerns about the qualifications of a pilot who crashed flight 3407 and Clarence center Tonight senior correspondent rich Newberg talks with a former Colgan cruise scheduler, who explains why she will never fly that airline again. Gina Ryder who is visiting a Forest Lawn Cemetery memorial to the victims of flight 3407 says Colgan air should never have allowed that plane to fly from Newark to Buffalo conditions were icy and another plane that night had slid off the runway at another airport. Flight 3407 had already been delayed for two hours. If I Transcribed by https://otter.ai