Jan. 12, 2009 (News Tribune delivered by Newstex) -- Major U.S. airlines have completed their second consecutive year of service without a fatality. The Air Transport Association says a year without a death has happened only four times since 1958. "That stellar record isn't something tha came about by accident," said David Castelveter, ATA spokesman. Improvements in air crew training, aircraft safety systems and mechanical reliability have all contributed to the good safety record. A major accident at Denver International Airport during the holidays nearly erased that record. A Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL) Boeing (NYSE:BA) 737 aborted a takeoff after having control issues and then slammed into a ditch causing a fire. Thirty-eight passengers were injured, but none was killed. Newstex ID: TC-2481-30992246