NTSB LAUNCHES TEAM TO INVESTIGATE BEECH 200 KING AIR ACCIDENT IN VIRGINIA

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a Go Team to investigate the crash of a Beech 200 King Air in Martinsville, Virginia.

On October 24, 2004 about 12:30 p.m. EDT, a twin-engine turboprop carrying 8 passengers and 2 crew impacted mountainous terrain while executing an approach to runway 30 at the Blue Ridge Airport, in Martinsville. All on board were fatally injured.

It was reported that Hendrick Motorsports, Inc., which owns and supports many NASCAR race teams, owns the aircraft.

Brian Rayner is the Investigator-in-Charge of the NTSB team of 5 investigators. Terry Williams is the NTSB press officer traveling with the team and a representative from the Board's Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance will provide on-scene coordination and family affairs assistance.

Information regarding the investigation will be released from the accident scene in Martinsville, Virginia.

NTSB Media Contacts:
On scene: Terry Williams, (202) 557-1350
NTSB Public Affairs in Washington, DC: Keith Holloway, (202) 314-6100