NTSB should conduct public investigation into balloon accident

My hometown of Lockhart is nationally known for its barbecue. But in recent weeks, the city received national attention for a much more somber reason. On the morning of July 30, the worst hot air balloon crash in American aviation history took place nearby. With 16 fatalities, this ranks as the worst transportation accident in the U.S. in the past seven-and-a-half years.

The impacts of tragedies like this are widely felt. Our hearts break for the victims of this accident who lost their lives and for those they left behind: children, spouses, parents, and friends. We are also thankful for the first responders, law enforcement officers, and public safety personnel who helped to manage the aftermath in a professional and compassionate manner.

As a former county commissioner and current state representative, I am no stranger to disaster, nor is our region. In recent memory, we have endured floods, wildfires, and transportation accidents. Yet none of this prepared me for what I witnessed on July 30 in a pasture outside of Lockhart.

I know that others at the scene were just as affected and that is why I am all the more appreciative of the deliberate response. Both the dignity of the victims and care for their families were carefully maintained.

It is also important to recognize that the ramifications of this accident extend beyond just the victims and those present at the scene. The entire community bears the impact of this tragedy, and that is why I have requested that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conduct a public investigative hearing on the accident. I have also contacted Senator Cornyn and Congressman Doggett, who represent the area, to enlist their support in securing a public hearing.

A public investigative hearing will ensure that the accident is thoroughly studied to determine its causes and related circumstances. It will identify the kinds of errors that may have contributed to the accident and evaluate whether policy changes may help to prevent a similar accident in the future. It will also help to bring closure to a difficult event in the lives of those affected and the Lockhart community. I believe the victims, their families and friends, and the broader community deserve this kind of deliberative response.

As a pilot with more than 1,500 hours of flight time, I am passionate about aviation and also ensuring the public safety. We cannot go back in time to save those who were lost, but we owe it to ourselves and all those affected by this accident to learn from past in hopes that some good may yet come of this tragedy.

John Cyrier (R-Lockhart) represents Bastrop, Caldwell, Gonzales, Karnes, and Lee counties in the Texas House. 512-463-0682, District17.Cyrier@house.texas.gov