Hersman

In a recent interview, Ms. Hersman said the issue still hasn't been resolved but the board continues to talk with the FAA, airlines and pilot-union leaders "about setting up a process" to gain access to the data.

Pilots, Mechanical Problems Faulted in American Air Mishap Andy Pasztor 2011

After the hearing, Deborah Hersman, the chairwoman of the safety board, noted that the industry has wrestled with the same problems, such as pre-1970 pipelines, for more than a decade.

Regulators Unsure Blast Was Freak Accident Rebecca Smith 2011

Hersman said one of the recommendations is meant to press the company to set up new procedures so emergency responders are immediately and directly notified when a possible pipeline rupture occurs.

Calif. pipeline that blew had prior leak 2011

More than eight months ago as part of the American Flight 2253 probe, Deborah Hersman, the chairman of the safety board, asked the FAA for such data related to safety lapses and runway overruns at various airports over the years.

Pilots, Mechanical Problems Faulted in American Air Mishap Andy Pasztor 2011

"If it took them months to realize they had a leak on the same line just nine miles south of the rupture site and only now we're hearing about it, that's very troubling," Hersman said.

Calif. pipeline that blew had prior leak 2011

Learning about past problems so long after the investigation began hampers federal investigators' ability to quickly determine what caused the pipeline buried four feet under a residential street to burst last year, Hersman said.

Calif. pipeline that blew had prior leak 2011

Wednesday afternoon, following Hersman's announcement, the commission approved PG&E's proposed extension, granting the company another year and a half to complete its search.

Calif. pipeline that blew had prior leak 2011

The bus that crashed in the Bronx, which was carrying gamblers back from Mohegan Sun Casino, was traveling at up to 78 mph, NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman said.

Investigators Cite Speed in Bus Crash Andrew Grossman 2011

On Wednesday, Hersman also toured the blocks torched in the inferno and met with families who lost relatives, local firefighters and PG&E executives.

Calif. pipeline that blew had prior leak 2011

NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman said last week that regulators for years had caved in to industry pressure and that it was time to take a "firm stand" for safety improvements, noting that many aging pipelines traverse populated areas.

Gas-Pipeline Operators Sweat Test Daniel Gilbert 2011