Findings of investigation into 2001 American Airlines crash to be announced

Airline Industry Information, Sept 16, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said that it will announce the findings of an investigation into the American Airlines flight 587 crash within two months.

The Airbus A300-600 aircraft crashed into a New York neighbourhood just after take-off from JFK International Airport on 12 November 2001, killing 260 passengers and crew members and five people on the ground.

NTSB chairman Ellen Engleman Conners said that the investigation has been completed and a hearing into the cause will be held before the third anniversary of the crash. The initial findings point towards the aircraft's tailfin breaking off after a series of sharp movements which could be put down to pilot or mechanical error, reports The Associated Press.

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