That and the Colgan accident also illustrate how ridiculous it is that an offline jumpseater can't ride up front unless all seats are taken.... stupid TSA. There were jumpseaters on both flights.

Had there been another set of eyes up front, I would be willing to bet that neither accident would have happened. I believe the Colgan flight had an online guy..but still.

It was before these accidents, but when I was a CA, I always enthusiastically welcomed jumpseaters and encouraged them to sit wherever they want- most certainly including up front for these very reasons. The conversation dynamic is more enjoyable with 3 guys, and the extra set of eyes can save many lives.