NASA Reconsiders, Will Release Scary Air Survey

NASA's director reversed course today in testimony before Congress, saying the agency will release data showing that near air accidents are more common than previously realized. NASA feared releasing the information would upset travelers and hurt airline profits. "I regret any impression that NASA was in any way trying to put commercial interests ahead of public safety," Michael Griffin said.

"One of the most important NASA principles is to ensure the dissemination of research results to the widest practical and appropriate extent," Griffin wrote in testimony prepared for a hearing today. The information in question was gathered from a comprehensive survey of airline pilots. The AP reports that NASA sent the data to a House committee yesterday. (More NASA stories.)