Fire during takeoff of tanker aircraft at Point Mugu Naval Air Station

WASHINGTON - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a go-team to yesterday's accident involving a Boeing 707-321B (N707AR) that experienced an engine fire during takeoff at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, Port Hueneme, CA. The aircraft is registered and operated by Omega Air Inc., an air refueling contractor that uses specially-equipped and converted civilian airplanes to serve as air refueling platforms for the military.

NTSB Aviation Investigator Howard Plagens has been designated as Investigator-in-Charge and is leading the Safety Board's four-member team. Representatives from the FAA, Boeing, Pratt and Whitney and the US Navy Air Safety Center are participating in the investigation.

The three crewmembers on board the accident aircraft were not injured.

Press Releases

• NTSB INVESTIGATING AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT AT POINT MUGU NAVAL AIR STATION (May 19, 2011)

Media Contact: Terry N. Williams, 202-314-6100