FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Eric R. Byer
Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs
800-808-6282
[email protected]
NATA REMEMBERS FORMER SENATOR TED STEVENS
Alexandria, VA, August 10, 2010 — A DeHavilland DHC-3T carrying nine people
crashed near Dillingham, Alaska, killing former Alaska Senator Theodore “Ted”
Stevens and four other people on board and injuring four others, the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported today. Former National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Sean O'Keefe was also on board
the aircraft but survived.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those involved in the crash,”
National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President James K. Coyne stated.
“Our country lost a great American today. Chairman Stevens was a remarkable
member of the U.S. Senate as well as a steadfast supporter of the general aviation
community, especially in the state of Alaska.” Stevens was 86 years old.
Ted Stevens served in the United States Senate from December 24, 1968, until
January 3, 2009. In 1944, Stevens received his wings from the Army Air Force Air
Cadet program. He flew C-46 and C-47 transport planes, and received many
medals and awards for flying behind enemy lines. He attended the University of
California Los Angeles and Harvard Law School. In 1978, Stevens survived the
crash of a Learjet 25C at Anchorage International Airport that killed his first wife,
Ann, and five other people.
Stevens’ impressive political career includes serving as chairman of the Senate
Appropriations Committee from 1997 to 2005, chairman of the Senate Rules
Committee, and president pro tempore when Republicans regained control of the
chamber as a result of the 2002 mid-term elections.
Sean O’Keefe is currently the chief executive officer of EADS North America. He
served as NASA administrator under President George H.W. Bush from 2001 to
2005. O’Keefe is 54 years old.
The NTSB has launched a Go-Team to investigate the airplane crash. NTSB
Chairman Deborah Hersman is accompanying the team and will serve as
spokesperson for the on-site investigation.
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NATA, the voice of aviation business, is the public policy group representing the
interests of aviation businesses before the Congress and federal agencies.