Will Assist As The Libyan Government Looks Into Afriqiyah Airways Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is dispatching a team of investigators to assist the government of Libya in its investigation of an accident involving an Airbus A330-200, which was equipped with General Electric CF6-8E1 engines. At approximately 0600 local time on May 12, 2010, the aircraft, operated by Afriqiyah Airways, crashed on approach to Tripoli airport in Tripoli, Libya. Of the 104 passengers and crew on board the airplane, there was one survivor. The airplane originated in Johannesburg, South Africa.  

As the State of design and manufacture for the engines, NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman has designated Senior Air Safety Investigator, Lorenda Ward, as the U.S. Accredited Representative.  The U.S. team will also include an NTSB engines specialist as well as technical advisors from the
Federal Aviation Administration, and General Electric.  The team is expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon.

The Bureau d'Enquete et d'Analyse (BEA) of France, representing the country of manufacture of the airplane, has also sent a team of investigators to Libya.

The investigation is being conducted by the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority, which will release all information on the progress of the investigation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov