In the aftermath of America’s worst air disaster in two decades, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found itself in a tough spot. The agency, already short-staffed and tight on funds, was racing to prevent its investigators from leaving after federal workers received a surprising resignation offer from the Trump administration.

The offer, which promised pay through September, was sent to all 400 NTSB employees via an email titled “Fork in the Road.” This came just 23 hours before a tragic mid-air collision involving an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River. All 67 people on board lost their lives, marking the deadliest aviation incident since 9/11.

The NTSB, an independent agency focused on accident investigations and safety recommendations, quickly moved to exempt its employees from the resignation program. In a Friday memo, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy urged staffers who had accepted the offer to “rescind their deferred resignation letter immediately.” She emphasized the critical need for every position at the agency, especially during such a high-stakes investigation.

Sources revealed that the resignation offer had rattled many NTSB employees, including highly skilled investigators nearing retirement. With specialized roles that are hard to fill, the agency couldn’t afford to lose any of its team. One insider noted, “It’s not like we have an easy time finding people.”

Homendy’s email stressed the importance of the agency’s mission, especially in light of the recent tragedy and its limited budget. The exemption was granted just in time, ensuring the NTSB could continue its vital work without disruption.

This developing story highlights the challenges faced by government agencies during critical moments, as they balance staffing needs with their essential roles in public safety.