Mon, May 10, 2004
FAA Supervisor Destroyed 9/11 Interview With Controllers
It was recorded as a tool for FBI
investigators tracking down the 9/11 plot -- an audio tape
featuring six of the ATC workers who handled the hijacked flights
that plowed into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and a
field in Pennsylvania.
But the tape was never turned over to the FBI and an FAA manager
later destroyed it.
A report by the Department of Transportation's Inspector General
says an FAA manager decided to debrief the six controllers on tape
just hours after the disastrous attacks. But a different manager
later crushed the tape in his hand, cut it up into tiny pieces and
spread the refuse over several trash cans.
The Washington Post reports the DOT IG investigation was
originally set to determine whether the FAA had fully cooperated
with the 9/11 Commission's investigation into the terror
attacks.
"The destruction of evidence in the Government's possession, in
this case an audiotape -- particularly during times of national
crisis -- has the effect of fostering an appearance that
information is being withheld from the public," the report
said.
The FAA is in damage control mode.
The Post identified the manager who destroyed the tape as Kevin
Delaney. The paper said he's been suspended for 20-days without pay
and is appealing the decision.
The FAA also issued a statement, saying it's turned over
thousands of documents to the 9/11 commission. As for the tape in
question, "We believe the audiotape in question appears to be
consistent with written statements and other materials provided to
FBI investigators and would not have added in any significant way
to the information contained in what has already been provided to
investigators and members of the 9/11 commission," said FAA
spokesman Greg Martin.
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]