NTSB TO ASSIST IN INVESTIGATION OF HELICOPTER CRASH THAT CLAIMED LIFE OF SUDAN'S FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

The National Transportation Safety Board is dispatching a team of investigators to assist in the investigation of the crash of a helicopter in Sudan over the weekend that claimed at least a dozen lives, including that country's First Vice President.

At the request of the U.S. Department of State, the NTSB has sent a 5-person team headed by senior NTSB investigator Dennis Jones, who has participated in investigations in Sudan twice previously.

Sudan's First Vice President, John Garang, and all others aboard perished Sunday when the MI-172, a Russian-built helicopter, crashed near the village of New Site, Sudan.

All information on the progress of the investigation will be released by the Government of National Unity.

NTSB Media Contact:
Paul Schlamm
(202) 314-6100
schlamp@ntsb.gov