NTSB Advisory
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
July 13, 1999

STATEMENT OF NTSB CHAIRMAN JIM HALL
Indictments Related to the Crash of ValuJet flight 592

The National Transportation Safety Board is responsible for determining the probable causes of major transportation accidents and for issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.

Separate parallel criminal investigations are not uncommon. ValuJet is a case in point. I appreciate the respect that both federal and Florida state authorities demonstrated for the work of the Safety Board. Our investigation was permitted to proceed without undue entanglements, and the Board issued its final report on its investigation in August 1997.

I think this case shows that, mindful of each others’ needs, both the Safety Board and law enforcement authorities can fulfill their responsibilities without hindering the work of the other.

NTSB Press Officer: Ted Lopatkiewicz (202) 314-6100