NTSB SENDING TEAM OF INVESTIGATORS TO ASSIST IN PANAMANIAN HELICOPTER INVESTIGATION

[NTSB Press Releases <NTSBPressReleases@xxxxxxxx>]

Title: NTSB SENDING TEAM OF INVESTIGATORS TO ASSIST IN PANAMANIAN HELICOPTER INVESTIGATION

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                       NTSB ADVISORY
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National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

May 31, 2008

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NTSB SENDING TEAM OF INVESTIGATORS TO ASSIST IN PANAMANIAN
HELICOPTER INVESTIGATION

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The National Transportation Safety Board has
dispatched a team of investigators to assist the Government
of Panama in its investigation of a fatal helicopter
accident this week.

On May 29, a Bell UH-1N, Panamanian registration SAN-
100, operated by the Panamanian Air Service, crashed into an
office building in Panama City, Panama.  Two of the three
crew members and all 9 passengers died in the accident. 
There were no reported injuries on the ground.  The
passengers were Chilean and Panamanian police officials on
their way to a United Nations-sponsored conference.

The accident is being investigated by Autoridad
Aeronautica Civil (AAC) of Panama.  At the request of the
Panamanian Government and the United States Department of
State, NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker has offered Panama the
resources of the Safety Board and has designated NTSB Senior
Investigator Paul Cox as U.S. Accredited Representative. 
Joining Cox on the team will be representatives from the
Federal Aviation Administration, Bell Helicopter and Pratt &
Whitney of Canada.

Information on the progress of the investigation will
be released by AAC.

NTSB Media Contact: Peter Knudson
(202) 314-6100
peter.knudson@xxxxxxxx

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