UPDATE ON CRASH OF LEARJET 35 NEAR ABERDEEN, SOUTH DAKOTA

NTSB investigators have finished their work at the accident site.  The bulk of the aircraft wreckage has been placed in secure storage at Aberdeen Regional Airport for future reference as needed.  Various fragments of the aircraft, including parts of the pressurization and oxygen systems have been brought to several manufacturers for further examination under NTSB supervision in coming weeks.

The aircraft's engines, which were severely damaged in the accident, have been brought to the manufacturer's facility for examination under NTSB supervision.

Analysis of the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder (CVR) continues.  The CVR tape contains no voices but there are sounds consistent with various alarms (cabin altitude/low pressure; stall warnings), plus engine noises and other sounds that may provide useful information for investigators.

Operations Group investigators are interviewing passengers from earlier flights as well as pilots who previously flew the accident aircraft.  The group also is responsible for examining the charter company's operations and crew experience and training.  The Maintenance Records Group continues to review the aircraft records and service history.  Investigators also are finalizing the radar tracking information and detailing the aircraft's performance during the accident flight.

The Safety Board expects to be able to open a public docket containing the investigator's factual reports in the first quarter of next year.
 

Media Contact:  Paul Schlamm,  (202) 314-6100