NTSB Sends Team to Madrid

The National Transportation Safety Board will be sending a team of investigators to Madrid, Spain, to assist in the investigation of today's accident in which a Spanair MD-80 (Spanish Reg. EC-HFP) crashed on take-off. The aircraft broke apart and a post-crash fire ensued. Multiple injuries and fatalities have been reported.

NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker has designated senior air safety investigator John Lovell as the U.S. Accredited Representative; four other NTSB technical specialists will accompany him. The U.S. team will also include technical advisors from the FAA, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney.