20 years on: Flight 427

USAir Flight 427's crash 20 years ago today in Hopewell en route to Pittsburgh International Airport, killing all 132 souls aboard, caused indelible shock and grief. Yet that horrific catastrophe's legacy is one of resilience, safer air travel and better assistance for crash victims' survivors.

Flight 427's grim toll must be remembered, as must the first responders' efforts, the mourning and the painstaking crash-site work. But so must safety-enhancing aircraft design changes that resulted from the National Transportation Safety Board's nearly five-year investigation.

As the crash's 15th anniversary approached, that investigation's head, Jim Hall, reminded the Trib that it also led to the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996, ensuring greater help for air crash victims' loved ones. Remember and honor that — and the efforts of the Flight 427 Air Disaster Support League formed by victims' survivors.

Today at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton-Pittsburgh Airport, the group will hold its 20th and last large remembrance service. Going forward, remembrances will be on the crash's anniversary at the Flight 427 monument in Sewickley Cemetery.

Ultimately, Flight 427 should and must be remembered as a tragedy that nevertheless brought to the fore much of what's best about Western Pennsylvania and America. Those lost always will be missed. But what the crash led to must always be honored.