Pena says ValuJet followed safety rules

May 12, 1996
Web posted at: 3:30 p.m. EDT

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Transportation Secretary Federico Pena confirmed Sunday that his agency had found no major problems with ValuJet and that the airline had complied with recommendations made after a February inspection.

He made his comments Sunday as investigators were trying to determine the best way to search the difficult terrain of the Florida Everglades for hidden wreckage and bodies from Saturday's fatal plane crash.

Also Sunday, the Department of Defense said that ValuJet had been rejected in its initial attempt to qualify to do business with the department, but sufficient upgrades to personnel and procedures were made by January 1996.

Navy Capt.Stephen Honda of the DOD Transportation Command told CNN that ValuJet first applied to the department in August 1995, and added that over a third of all air transportation companies are rejected in their first attempt. Honda said that DOD personnel are permitted to fly ValuJet on business, but he could not say whether the airline had specific contracts with the department.

Cooperative airline

Pena said ValuJet, which began operating in October 1993 and offers discount fares, had been cooperative with Federal Aviation Administration inspectors. (255K AIFF or WAV sound)

"When we had recommendations they addressed them, in many cases exceeded the standards we had. And that's why this crash is very surprising," Pena said.

For instance, when the FAA suggested the airline hire more experienced pilots, ValuJet responded quickly, he said. The February inspection lasted seven days, and all of the ValuJet aircraft were reviewed.

"They voluntarily slowed down their expansion and growth because I think they themselves realized, as a new airline doing very well, that perhaps they were going too quickly. They slowed that down on their own," Pena added.

"We will not certify any new carrier to fly in our country unless they meet our safety standards," the secretary said. He said his agency also has asked Congress for more inspectors. (187K AIFF or WAV sound)

ValuJet President Lewis Jordan said Sunday that the aircraft, a 1969 plane, was safe. Otherwise, it would have been grounded. He said his company had been working closely with the FAA to maintain airline safety standards. (275K AIFF or WAV sound)

High-impact crash

"Whatever happened, happened very quickly. It was a high-impact crash," Pena said, and the pilot apparently didn't have time to react. The DC-9 was traveling more than 500 mph when it hit the ground.

Authorities said they didn't know how much of the plane they could find under the water and thick, black muck. Rescuers found only small pieces of the plane and some personal possessions scattered above ground.

"The conditions are horrible," said Metro-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Roman Bas.

Related stories:

• Search for survivors called off - May 12, 1996
• Road to be built at plane crash site - May 12, 1996
• Families, loved ones in shock - May 12, 1996
• 109 feared dead in ValuJet crash - May 11, 1996

Related sites:

• Federal Aviation Administration
• ValuJet Homepage
• Miami International Airport
• United States Coast Guard Home Page
• The US Department of Transportation

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