Rotor Act falls short; families push for aviation safety tech

Families affected by a tragic midair crash are heartbroken after a bill aimed at preventing future collisions fell short in Congress. The legislation would have required safety technology to help aircraft detect each other sooner.

Christina Lovey Stovall, who lost her son Mikey in the crash, expressed her devastation.

"We're heartbroken and definitely devastated. We've worked hard this whole last year," said Stovall. "Senator Cruz can't Well, NTSB, Chairwoman home, nd been on board. They've worked hard to get this rotor act for safer skies for everybody."

Stovall and other families had been advocating for the ROTOR Act, which would mandate ADS-B technology on aircraft. This system helps pilots see nearby planes and helicopters sooner, potentially preventing deadly midair collisions.

"That would have given them almost a minute for the plane to do something, as compared to a matter of a few seconds," said Stovall.

The bill fell just short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass, leaving families shocked and searching for answers.

Stovall said despite the setback, their mission isn’t over.

"We just have to go back and regroup and meet up on Capitol Hill, you know, see what their concessions are and stuff," said Stovall.

Their goal remains simple: to ensure no other family experiences the same loss. They plan to continue working with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to revive the legislation and push for stronger aviation safety requirements in the future.