By Associated Press - Friday, August 25, 2017

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is calling for stronger safety measures following a spate of deadly small aircraft crashes.

The Connecticut Democrat sent a letter Friday to Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta outlining his concerns.

Blumenthal said Connecticut has seen a string of eight small aircraft crashes and six fatalities so far this year. He said that’s on track to be the deadliest year for plane accidents in over a decade.

In the letter, Blumenthal urges the FAA to investigate training, medical vetting, maintenance, safety regulations and resources to look for ways to prevent future tragedies.

He said that while there hasn’t been a fatal crash involving a commercial airline in eight years, general aviation presents what he called “a troubling tale that consists of hundreds of deadly crashes each year.”

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