Investigators to study cockpit voice recorder
Skyvan crash probe:
By Shirwin Campbell
Guyana Chronicle
November 20, 2003
GUYANA Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is in close contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as investigations continue into the factor or factors responsible for the fatal November 8 Skyvan crash.
CAA Director Chabeenanan Ramphul informed the Guyana Chronicle that the latest word from NTSB is that the cockpit voice recorder (CRV) is in good condition.
According to the Director, there was concern that the CRV might have been damaged during the crash.
He noted that the NTSB also requested the presence of two officials to be a part of the initial investigation.
Mr. Ramphal stated that they are required to identify the voices that are on the CRV and are scheduled to travel today.
Meanwhile, on the local scene the CAA’s inspectors are continuing their investigations with an in-depth study of the relevant documents.
While promising a thorough investigation, the Director pointed out that the investigating team will look at the incident from the time the pilots arrived at work - maintenance procedures; the checking in of passengers; the weighing of cargo; Skyvan’s flight path - to the wreckage of the aircraft.
A Special Inspection Bulletin from CAA has been released, pending the findings of the investigation, to local airlines operators who use Skyvans, and the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), which has two Skyvans.
Those injured in the crash have been transported to a private hospital and Trans Guyana Airways will cover all the medical bills.
During a press conference Saturday last, engineer and Senior Inspector of the UK Aviation Accident Inspection Board, Alan Simmons, stated that the Warsaw Convention covers such an incident stipulating that compensation be paid to the family of victims of commercial air accidents.
Commenting on the issue of compensation Director of Trans Guyana, Captain Mr. Ray Jainandan informed the Guyana Chronicle that Management of the airline met with relatives of the deceased and those injured Tuesday.
Describing the meeting as very cordial he explained that they informed them about the procedure that is necessary in these situations.
He explained to the Guyana Chronicle, "In our industry there are certain things to be done in a particular fashion" with regards to the insurance investigation and this also covers every aspect including the compensation. He gave the assurance that all concerns are being addressed and prioritized and maximum support, have been given to the relatives of the deceased and those injured when the plane crash landed in Sophia's backland.