Statement on the Dash 8 Q400 Accident on Oct. 27, 2007

In regard to the accident of a Dash 8 Q400 aircraft of Scandinavian Airlines at Copenhagen airport on Saturday, the European Safety Agency issues the following information:

The Agency is concerned about this most recent Dash 8 Q400 accident and the possible relation with other recent Dash 8 Q400 accidents.

The Agency will take all measures to ensure the safety of European passengers and citizens.

The possible cause or causes of this accident are still unknown at the present time. We therefore urge the Danish authorities to inform us immediately of any results from the accident investigation. The Agency offers its assistance in this investigation.

The Agency has also called the Canadian authorities and the manufacturer for an immediate crisis meeting to discuss the continued airworthiness of this EASA type-certificate.

In the light of our analysis, we will decide whether to issue a further emergency airworthiness directive or any other appropriate measures for the Dash 8 Q400 aircraft.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) was set up by the EU in 2003 to promote the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation. Based in Cologne, the Agency currently employs some 350 experts and administrators from all over Europe.