Jennifer Homendy, chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, has emerged as a prominent voice in aviation safety as the agency concludes its probe into the Washington crash that killed 67, reports The New York Times.

Ms Homendy, a Democrat, has retained her post under President Donald Trump despite the dismissal of other investigators and inspectors general. She has earned trust across party lines, with the White House calling her role key to ensuring public confidence in transport safety.

The crash investigation, completed in about a year, has spurred proposals to change flight routes and expand use of advanced tracking technology. Ms Homendy said the board needed to be proactive after years of reactive responses.

She has been unusually public in her advocacy, offering both praise and criticism of government initiatives. She frequently briefs officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and has worked closely with lawmakers to ensure accurate information reaches decision-makers.

The NTSB investigates transport incidents but has no regulatory authority, making recommendations to Congress and the president. Ms Homendy's leadership has elevated the agency's profile, with her described as "remarkable" by Mr Duffy.

Her efforts have included direct engagement with Congress, such as briefing staff after the East Palestine train derailment. With the Washington crash probe concluding, her role is seen as potentially legacy-defining.