NTSB ASSISTING IN INVESTIGATION OF AIRLINER CRASH IN EGYPT

The National Transportation Safety Board is assisting the Egyptian government in their investigation of the crash of a Flash Airlines Boeing 737-300. The aircraft was en route from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt to Cairo when it crashed into the Red Sea killing all 148 passengers and crew. The State Department has reported that there were 4 American citizens on board.

NTSB Chairman Ellen G. Engleman has designated senior Safety Board investigator Frank Hilldrup as the United States' Accredited Representative to the investigation. He will lead a team of advisors from the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing Commercial Aircraft.

This is the second time in two weeks the Safety Board has sent investigators to assist in aircraft accident investigations in Africa. An investigator is still on scene in the west African nation of Benin investigating a crash of a Boeing 727 that occurred on Christmas day.

Under Annex 13 of the articles of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United States - as country of manufacture for the aircraft - will participate with the Egyptian government to assist in its investigation into the crash.

All information on the progress of the Flash Airlines investigation will be released by the aviation authorities of Egypt.

Media Contact: Keith Holloway, (202) 314-6100
hollowk@ntsb.gov