NTSB Advisory
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
August 8, 2009

NTSB SENDS TEAM TO INVESTIGATE HUDSON RIVER MIDAIR COLLISION

The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a Go Team to investigate today's midair collision over the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey of a small airplane and a tourist helicopter.

At about noon today Eastern Daylight Time, a Piper PA32 (N71MC) and a Eurocopter AS350 (N401LH) collided and crashed into the Hudson River.  Local authorities report that they have found no survivors among the 9 persons believed to have been aboard both aircraft.

Senior NTSB Air Safety Investigator Robert Gretz will serve as Investigator-in-Charge of the 10-member team.  NTSB Chairman Debbie Hersman will accompany the team and serve as principal spokesperson for the on-scene investigation. 
Keith Holloway is the NTSB press officer joining the team in New York.

Once in New York, Mr. Holloway may be reached on his cell phone at 202-557-1350.  Media briefings will be announced when they are scheduled.

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NTSB Media Contact:    

Keith Holloway
202-557-1350
hollowk@ntsb.gov

Washington office
202-314-6100

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