'From Tragedy We Draw Knowledge'

BEHIND THE SCENES AT NTSB HEAD QUARTERS

- Les Abend

My wife and I stood up from the couch in the well appointed office and shook hands with National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt. We thanked him for taking the time to squeeze a visit into his packed schedule. The visit was the culmination of our personalized tour at NTSB headquarters, an opportunity not often afforded the public.

With a sincere dose of humility, the chairman provided me a signed copy of Aircraft Accident Analysis: Final Reports, a book he had co-written with James Walters. The book would assist in research material for my next novel. I reciprocated by presenting a signed copy of my novel Paper Wings.

Although I was biased by the fact that Sumwalt had originally come from within the ranks of airline pilots, the day’s interactions confirmed the positive attitude reflected by the chairman. No doubt, people were on their best behavior for our visit, but it genuinely appeared that everyone was enthusiastic to be a part of the NTSB.

Our primary tour guide was Paul Sledzik, deputy director for the Office of Safety Recommendations and Communications. Although Sledzik’s title sounded impressive, he modestly reassured me that it was not. Apparently, titles at the NTSB don’t define a strict job description. People wear different hats at different times.

The NTSB is housed on two separate floors of a high-rise building at the L’Enfant Plaza East section of Washington, D.C. The hearing room is separately located below ground level, within the shopping area of L’Enfant Plaza. I recalled having been present in the room during proceedings following a crash investigation involving my airline almost 15 years prior. The proceedings were a well-orchestrated, respectful and solemn occasion.