The NTSB will lead a team of US-based investigators to assist the government of Benin in its investigation into the crash of a Boeing 727 on Christmas day that apparently resulted in the deaths of more than 100 passengers and crew.

NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman Conners has designated Dennis Jones, a senior investigator for the NTSB, as the United States' Accredited Representative to the investigation. He will lead a team that includes investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing Commercial Aircraft, and Pratt & Whitney Engines.

Under Annex 13 of the articles of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United States - as country of manufacture for the aircraft and the engines - has been invited by the Benin government to assist its investigation into the crash, which reportedly occurred when the airliner was taking off for a flight from Cotonou to Lebanon.

The US team was expected to arrive in the west African nation of Benin Monday.

** Report created 12/29/2003 Record 34 **
IDENTIFICATION
 Regis#: UTA141 Make/Model: B727 Description: B-727
 Date: 12/25/2003 Time: 1044
 Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: None Mid Air: N Missing: N
 Damage: Destroyed
LOCATION
 City: COTONOU, BENIN State: Country: BJ

DESCRIPTION
 UNKNOWN REGISTERED UNION TRANSPORT AFRAICAINS FLIGHT 141 CRASHED INTO THE
 OCEAN ON TAKEOFF, FATALITIES UNKNOWN, AIRCRAFT DESTROYED, COTONOU, BENIN,
 AFRICA,

INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 0
 # Crew: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk: Y
 # Pass: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk: Y
 # Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk: Y
WEATHER: UNK
OTHER DATA
 Activity: Business Phase: Take-off Operation: Air Carrier
 Departed: UNK Dep Date: Dep. Time:
 Destination: UNK Flt Plan: UNK Wx Briefing: U
 Last Radio Cont: UNKU  Last Clearance: UNK

FMI: www.ntsb.gov