NTSB BEGINS INVESTIGATION INTO CRASH OF BUSINESS JET IN COLORADO

A National Transportation Safety Board investigator is arriving today to begin an investigation into the crash of a business jet in Montrose, Colorado.

The twin engine Canadair Challenger, a CL-600 (N873G), impacted a fence and terrain off the departure end of runway 31 at approximately 9:55 a.m. MST yesterday, November 28, while attempting to take off from Montrose Regional Airport. A post-crash fire ensued. There were 6 persons aboard, including two pilots and a flight attendant. Among the passengers were NBC television executive Dick Ebersol and members of his family. Local authorities report that the two pilots were killed and a passenger is missing. The other three persons were hospitalized.

The plane was owned by Jet Alliance/Air Castle Corporation and operated by Global Aviation as Glow Air flight 73. The charter flight's destination was South Bend, Indiana.

NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator Arnold Scott from the Safety Board's Denver regional office is the Investigator-in-Charge. The following parties will provide assistance to Mr. Scott: the Federal Aviation Administration, Canadair, and General Electric Engines. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is sending an accredited representative. NTSB press officer Keith Holloway will also assist Mr. Scott at the scene.

Information on the scheduling of press briefings will be announced when Mr. Holloway arrives in Montrose.

NTSB Press Contacts:
Keith Holloway (at the scene) - (202) 557-1350
In Washington: (202) 314-6100