Victims' families briefed first by NTSB

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) - Buffalo-area families, many wearing red, were briefed first before the probable cause findings were given by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Some family members saw the animated video simulation leading up to the crash, for the first time.

Jennifer West was sobbing when she left the room, she lost her husband Ernie in the crash and said she needed to see the animation because she wants, to be with him at every moment. "I can't imagine the fear that everyone felt," West said.

She presented the mother of copilot Rebecca Shaw a rock from the crash site, and an angel carrying the name 'Becky,' "We know what Lyn Morris is going though, she lost a daughter," said West.

Mrs. Morris said, "I'm sorry for their loss."

John Kausner who lost his daughter Ellie, wants the rules changed for flying so the public is safe

NTSB Chair Deborah Hersman said Tuesday's proceedings, "Are intended to keep public attention and pressure on the airline industry to improve aviation safety."

>>>Click here to view the documents presented at the hearing by the NTSB

The Colgan pilots made an inappropriate response to a stall when the plane lost speed, according to an investigator. He also said training needs to be improved.

Another member of the safety board told the families, "The last 355 days have been a living nightmare, a living hell" for you.

The findings he said, will go a long way for improving safety for us all.