FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2002 SB-02-14

NTSB RECESSES HEARING ON CARGO AIRLINER CRASH, WILL RECONVENE WITH NEW SLATE OF WITNESSES

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board recessed its public hearing on the crash of a cargo airliner. Member John Goglia, the Chairman of the hearing that was held last week, said he will reconvene the hearing at a later date.

The hearing was held May 9 and 10 in Washington, D.C., and delved into issues surrounding the crash of Emery Worldwide Airlines flight 17, a Douglas DC-8-71 (N8079U), which had just taken off on a scheduled flight from Sacramento, California to Dayton, Ohio. All three crewmen aboard the plane died in the February 16, 2000, crash.

Member Goglia said he was disappointed in the quality of the testimony the Board had received. “As Chairman of this proceeding, one task for me is to help create a complete record for the full Board to use in determining accurately the probable cause and to make meaningful recommendations so that we can have a reasonable expectation that we will not have another accident for the same reasons.”

Seven witnesses testified at the hearing, representing the Douglas Products Division of Boeing Airplanes Group, Tennessee Technical Services and Emery. Goglia noted that Emery did not provide the correct witnesses for the issues the Board had requested. Once the proper witnesses are identified, Goglia said, the Board will reconvene the hearing at a time and place to be announced.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigates all civil aviation accidents in the United States to determine probable cause and, if appropriate, issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

NTSB Press Officer: Paul Schlamm/Ted Lopatkiewicz, (202) 314-6100