NTSB BOARD MEETING LOOKS AT A GULSTREAM ACCIDENT IN ASPEN, A PASSENGER SHIP FIRE ON THE HUDSON RIVER, AND EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR DESIGN OF THE TRANSPORT-CATEGORY AIRPLANES

On March 29, 2001, a Gulfstream III owned by Airbourne Charter, Inc. and operated by Avjet Corporation of Burbank, California, crashed on final approach to runway 15 at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE), killing all 18 aboard.

Press Contact: Terry N. Williams

On November 17, 2000, the commuter ferry Port Imperial Manhattan caught fire while en route from Manhattan to Weehawken, NJ. The three crewmembers and eight passengers aboard were rescued by another ferry and the burning vessel was towed to a Manhattan pier where the fire was extinguished. One passenger was treated for smoke inhalation. The estimated cost to repair the vessel was $1.2 million.

Press Contact: Paul Schlamm

The Board will review five safety recommendations addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration concerning emergency exit door design, the adequacy of information in air carrier's flight training manuals, and programs regarding over pressurization. These recommendations were developed by NTSB staff during the Board’s investigation of a fatal accident in Miami, Florida, in which a flight attendant was killed when the airplane’s door was opened after landing.

Press Contact: Lauren Peduzzi

A mult-box is available for sound. This room is lighted for television.

Directions to Board Room: Front door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From Metro, exit L’Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D Streets escalator, walk through shopping mall, at CVS store take escalator down one level. Board Room will be to your left.

Media Contact: (202) 314-6100