21 U.S. Airports Fail Bomb Detection Test

Investigators sent through components of an "improvised explosive device," the report by the Government Accountability Office said.
March 20, 2006

Undercover checks by U.S. federal investigators showed all 21 airports tested failed to detect bomb-making materials passing through security.

The tests were requested by Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who said the results were "very disappointing," ABC News reported Friday.

The airports were not identified, as the information is classified.

Investigators sent through components of an "improvised explosive device," the report by the Government Accountability Office, the watchdog arm of Congress, said.

In its defense, the Transportation Security Administration, the agency that handles airport security, issued a statement, stating, "While random items commonly found under a kitchen sink could conceivably be concocted into an IED, there are so many things that could go wrong with this hypothetical scenario that we find it highly implausible."

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.

Sign up for Aviation Pros Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.