Federal investigators probing 2018 New York limo crash that killed 20 people say state regulators repeatedly failed to oversee the poorly maintained vehicle which had corroded brakes

Federal investigators examining the 2018 crash of a stretch limousine that left 20 people dead say state regulators repeatedly failed to oversee the poorly maintained vehicle, which featured corroded brakes.

The crash, which occurred in the New York town of Schoharie October 6, 2018, killed all 17 passengers, as well as the driver and two pedestrians. The vehicle's brakes failed on a downhill stretch of road, before it blew through a stop sign at a T intersection and crashed into a ditch. 

National Transportation Safety Board members are expected to vote later Tuesday on a final report on the crash, which was the deadliest transportation disaster in the United States in over a decade. 

A group of family and friends had charted the 2001 Ford Excursion limo to travel to a brewery to celebrate the 30th birthday of newlywed Amy Steenburg. 

Among the dead were Steenburg's three sisters - Allison King, Abby Jackson, Mary Dyson - as well as her new husband, Axel Steenburg.    

Federal investigators examining the 2018 crash of a stretch limousine that left 20 people dead say state regulators repeatedly failed to oversee the poorly maintained vehicle, which featured corroded brakes

The vehicle´s brakes failed on a downhill stretch of road, before it blew through a stop sign at a T intersection and crashed into a ditch

The 2018 crash was the deadliest transportation disaster in the United States in over a decade

In a hearing held by the NTSB early Tuesday morning, board member Michael Graham stated: 'Seventeen young people made the smart, safe decision to arrange for sober transportation when celebrating.

They put their trust and safety into system designed to protect them, and it failed.'

The NTSB found that the crash was likely caused by operator Prestige Limousine's 'egregious disregard for safety' that resulted in brake failure on a long downhill stretch.  

Prestige Limousine staff members told the board that the vehicle's brake system was corroded and that the brake line was crimped, which would have restricted amount of fluid able to flow to the right rear brake. In addition, parts of the line were coated in brake fluid, indicating a leak.

Staffers said properly functioning and well-maintained brakes would have been able to stop at the bottom of the hill.

A New York state trooper and members of the National Transportation Safety Board view the scene of the fatal crash back in October 2018. NTSB  members are expected to vote later Tuesday on a final report about the disaster

The NTSB also claim ineffective state oversight also contributed. 

Staffers told board members Tuesday that the state Department of Motor Vehicles failed to verify vehicle registration forms and that the state Department of Transportation failed at least seven times to keep the company, Prestige Limousine, from operating without authority.

NTSB Chairperson Robert Sumwalt also criticized the local prosecutor and state police for failing to cooperate with the agency and delaying the completion of the investigation to almost two full years after the crash.

'Unfortunately, the parallel criminal investigation conducted by the Schoharie County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Police significantly impeded and curtailed our typical investigative efforts,' Sumwalt said in his opening statement. 

'Particularly early in our investigation, some NTSB investigators were outright blocked from even viewing, let alone examining, critical evidence.'

Friends of victims are seen comforting each other at a makeshift memorial set up the day after the fatal crash 

A wheel from the limousine is seen alongside mangled wreckage 

Nauman Hussain, the operator of Prestige Limousines, faces 20 charges each of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. 

He has pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to stand trial in May, but the trial was delayed because of the pandemic. His lawyers have been meeting with prosecutors to discuss a possible plea deal.

The NTSB last month released a cache of documents indicating Hussain repeatedly changed the listed number of seats in the 2001 Ford Excursion limo and took other steps to avoid safety regulations.

In particular, Prestige took pains to avoid more stringent inspection rules intended to ensure a modified vehicle has the braking capacity and other requirements for carrying a heavier load, according to the NTSB documents.

Nauman Hussain, the operator of Prestige Limousines, faces 20 charges each of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. He is pictured being arrested on October 10 - four days after the crash

When it registered the limo, it didn't disclose to the Department of Motor Vehicles that it had been stretched, as required, and falsified the seating capacity from 18 down to 11. The company further reduced the seating capacity to 8 when it registered the vehicle in 2017, and listed the capacity as 10 in 2018, documents show.

Any vehicle with 15 or more seats is defined as a bus under state regulations and is subject to semi-annual inspections.

In the moments before the crash, a passenger texted, 'the limo sounds like it is going to explode' and 'it's a junker.' Another driver described hearing a noise like a 'jet plane' as the limo swerved around her car and sped through the intersection.

LIMO CRASH VICTIMS 

Amy & Axel Steenburg 

The limousine that crashed in October 2018 was headed to a brewery in Cooperstown, New York, to celebrate Amy Steenburg's 30th birthday. Amy was killed alongside her new husband Axel 

The limousine that crashed in October 2018 was headed to a brewery in Cooperstown, New York, to celebrate Amy Steenburg's 30th birthday. 

Axel, 29, and Amy had just tied the knot in June.

Amy was a nurse for the state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

Her three sisters - Allison, Mary, and Abby - were also killed, as were two of their husbands and Axel's brother Rich.

Just days before the crash, Amy had uploaded a post gushing about Axel to Facebook which read: 'I love you more than words can say.'

'You are such an amazing man and entertain all my crazy ideas. Even when I move a couch just to move it back to the original place.' 

Amy and Axel had rented a bus from Prestige Limousines. When the bus broke down en-route to the brewery, it sent a 2011 Ford Excursion stretch limo in its place. 

 Abigail & Adam Jackson

Amy's sister Abigail and her husband Adam Jackson were parents to Archer, four, and one-year-old Elle (all pictured together) 

Amy's sister Abigail and her husband Adam Jackson were parents to Archer, four, and one-year-old Elle. 

'Adam and Abby were amazing parents to these girls and taken much too soon,' the description reads.

'While families will step in and provide loving care for these girls, there will be expenses that we can help with during this time when we otherwise feel so helpless.' 

Abigail, or 'Abby' as she was known, was a reading teacher at Lynch Literacy Academy. 

She became a teacher because she loved working with children, Rich Peters, president of the Amsterdam Teachers Association, told the Times Union at the time.

'She wanted to help them better their lives,' he said. 

Adam was a deputy commissioner with the Montgomery County Board of Elections. 

Mary and Bob Dyson  

Mary, one of the four sisters killed in the crash, and her husband Rob Dyson left behind a three-year-old son named Issac  

Mary, one of the four sisters killed in the crash, and her husband Rob Dyson left behind a three-year-old son.

The couple lived in Watertown, New York, where Mary - who served in the US Army from 2007 to 2013 - worked as an engineer. 

She was also a coach at Star Spangled Crossfit, which dedicated a workout to her on Monday.

Issac is now in the care of Rob's mother. 

The couple graduated from Clarkson University together in 2007, and the school held a candlelight vigil for them after the crash. 

'Clarkson is a tight-knit community,' it wrote in a statement on Facebook at the time. 'All losses like this cause us to come together and reflect on the friendships we've made.' 

Allison King

Allison King, pictured with her niece, also died in the tragic crash that left 20 people dead

Allison King, sister to Mary, Abby, and Amy, also perished in the devastating crash. 

King was one of four people in the limo who was an alumni of SUNY Plattsburgh, where she graduated in 2010 with a degree in speech communications.    

Barbara Douglas, the sisters' aunt, said the family was completely devastated by their loss.

She described all four sisters, who were aged 30 to 35, as 'beautiful girls, full of life' and said two were mothers.

'They had their whole lives ahead of them,' she said.  

Rich Steenburg

Axel's brother Rich, was also killed in the accident. Pictured left, a tribute to all three of the Steenburgs posted on social media

Rich Steenburg, 34, was killed alongside his brother Axel. They both worked at GlobalFoundries, a semiconductor and manufacturing company. 

Steenburg's wife Kimberly had planned to go to the birthday party, but canceled at the last minute because she wasn't feeling well. 

The couple share two children together, a 10-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. They recently bought a home together. 

Steenburg's family released a statement on Monday evening, saying they had 'suffered tremendous loss that is nothing short of tragic'. 

'Those left behind by the perished include children, spouses and parents — among others,' it read. 

'We thank all of the first responders who have assisted, those who have reached out with kindness and love and those who continue to support us as we mourn those we lost.' 

Erin and Shane McGowan 

Erin and Shane McGowan were one of two pairs of newlyweds in the tragic limo crash 

Erin and Shane McGowan were one of two pairs of newlyweds in the tragic limo crash. 

Shane, 30, and Erin, 34, had only just tied the knot in June 2018 after dating for three years. 

McGowan was an administrative assistant at St Mary's Healthcare in Amsterdam. 

She had recently been thinking of going back to school to become a billing administrator, according to her aunt Valerie Abeling. 

'They had everything going for them,' Abeling said. 'She was a beautiful, sweet soul. He was too. They were two very young, beautiful people.' 

Anthony Vertucci, Erin's uncle, spoke of the 'darkness and devastation' that had hit his family and shared photos of his niece's wedding day in a heartbreaking tribute.

'My heart has stopped,' he wrote. 'Unspeakable tragedy that I can't comprehend and will never come to terms with.'

'I just wanted all of you to see pictures of Erin and Shane, these two beautiful and amazing people, on the best and happiest days of their lives.' 

It was Erin who had texted both Abeling and her friend Melissa Healey about the state of the limo before it crashed. 

McGowan told Abeling the limo was in 'terrible condition', and texted Healey that the motor was 'making everyone deaf'.

Patrick Cushing and Amanda Halse 

Patrick Cushing, Erin's cousin, was killed in the crash alongside his girlfriend Amanda Halse 

Patrick Cushing, Erin's cousin, was killed in the crash alongside his girlfriend Amanda Halse. 

Cushing, as the 31-year-old was lovingly called by friends, worked in the technology office of New York's state Senate.

At the time, Senate Leader John Flanagan described Cushing as an 'extraordinary' employee and 'wonderful young man'. 

Cushing also played for Team USA Dodgeball, and his team said he was full of 'unconditional kindness' and the ability to 'make friends of his fiercest competitors'.

The team plans to retire Cushing's number in his honor.  

Halse, 26, worked as a waitress in Watervliet and was a 'very strong and independent person', according to sister Karina. 

'She didn't like it when other people did things for her,' she added. 'She would be the one to initiate things.' 

Karina, who had been texting with Amanda just as she was stepping into the limo, said the couple were 'two peas in a pod'. 

'I feel like my heart is sunken,' she added. 'It's in a place where I've never felt this type of pain before.' 

Matthew Coons and Savannah Devonne

Matthew Coons, a US Army veteran, was killed alongside his girlfriend Savannah Devonne

Matthew Coons, a US Army veteran, and his girlfriend Savannah Devonne were among the victims of last year's crash. 

Coons had been a groomsman at Axel's wedding in June. 

He lived with Savannah and his sister, a single mother with two daughters who he helped financially support.

Suzanne Douglass, Coons' aunt, said he had a 'huge golden heart'. 

'He will be sorely missed by his sister and her children,' she said. 'He made their life very joyful with his very sweet disposition.' 

Savannah graduated from Hartwick College in 2015 with a degree in political science and business administration. 

She was a volleyball player and a member of the Phi Sigma Phi sorority. 

'There are no words that can heal the friends and family of Savannah's pain as a single moment has now changed their lives forever,' her sorority sisters wrote in a tribute. 

Amanda Rivenburg 

Amanda Rivenburg, a friend of Amy's, spent the last seven years working for Living Resources, a New York nonprofit for people with disabilities 

Amanda Rivenburg, a friend of Amy's, spent the last seven years working for Living Resources, a New York nonprofit for people with disabilities. 

Steve Klein, the organization's associate executive director, said she was beloved by all her colleagues. 

'She was passionate about her work, and everyone relied on her for guidance,' he said. 

Frank Prevratil, Amanda's supervisor, said she was a 'young susperstar'. 

'Amanda met her actual calling,' he said. 'Her calling was to serve the population and she did.'

'She was dedicated and wonderful and kind.' 

Rachael Cavosie 

Rachael Cavosie also perished in the tragic limousine accident. Alyssa Cavosie, Rachael's cousin, said she was a soul that 'touched so many lives'

Rachael Cavosie also perished in the tragic limousine accident. 

Alyssa Cavosie, Rachael's cousin, said she was a soul that 'touched so many lives'. 

'She gave me so much guidance,' Alyssa wrote in a touching Facebook tribute. 

'Even though she was the younger cousin, I looked up to her and often sought her advice through out my life.' 

Rachael is survived by her parents, a sister, and two brothers. 

Michael Ukaj 

Michael Ukaj, 34, was one of three US Army veterans who died in the horrific crash

Michael Ukaj, 34, was one of three US Army veterans who died in the horrific accident. 

Ukaj, a US Marine Corps veteran who served one combat tour in Iraq, was killed on his birthday.

His mother, Mary Ashton, had tried to call and wish him a happy birthday nearly at the exact time the crash occurred.

'You were such an inspiration when you wanted to join the Marine Corps,' Ashton wrote in a tribute to her son, who enlisted at age 17, on Facebook. 

'Thank you for your combat service and for being my son. I love you forever.' 

Ashton told the Times-Union that Ukaj suffered with severe PTSD from his time in combat, but that he was 'very happy and enjoyed life'. 

'He posted pictures of him with friends, skeet shooting and having bonfires,' she said. 

'He was fixing up my parents' house and enjoying his life.'

Brian Hough and James Schnurr

SUNY Oswego associate professor Brian Hough and his father-in-law James Schnurr were the two pedestrians who were killed during the limo crash

Brian Hough and his father-in-law James Schnurr were the two pedestrians who were killed during the limo crash. 

The pair were in the parking lot of Apple Barrel Country Store when the limo ran a stop sign at a dangerous intersection and came barreling through, striking them.

Hough, who had a PhD in geological sciences, was an associate geology professor at SUNY Oswego. He leaves behind a wife and an eight-year-old son.

Atra Hough, Brian's mother, said he was a 'warmhearted, wonderful person' who loved teaching and working with students. 

Brian's aunt, Katie Kent, said the family was 'absolutely devastated' at the 'incomprehensible loss'. 

'My nephew was an accomplished professor, an amazing husband, and daddy. Our family is trying to make sense of this,' she wrote.  

SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley released a statement at the time that said Brian was a 'major part' of the campus' family. 

'He was a dedicated faculty member who inspired his students to learn and understand at a deep level, and whose contributions were often sought by his colleagues,' she said. 'He will be missed and remembered fondly by all, always.' 

Scott Lisinicchia 

Scott Lisinicchia, 53, was the driver behind the wheel of the 2001 Ford Excursion that crashed on Saturday. He is pictured here with his wife Kim

Scott Lisinicchia, 53, was the driver behind the wheel of the 2001 Ford Excursion that crashed. 

'It hurts me to a core to have to bury my husband,' Lisinicchia's wife, Kim, wrote in a tribute on Facebook.