Press Release
August 26, 2008
Cayman Airways cleared in NTSB report.
The National Transport and Safety Board (NTSB) has released its report on their investigation into an incident of July 5, 2008 involving Cayman Airways at JFK International Airport.
The incident which involved CAL 792 landing at JFK and a Linea Area Nacional de Chile (LAN 533) departingJFK attracted local and international attention when it was reported as a near midair collision (NMAC).
The report from the NTSB has supported what was previously stated by CAL, in that its pilots did everything according to procedure. CAL was on the VOR approach to runway 22L (the proper track to the airport) and in the correct geographical location to land. At this point the controllers have the sole responsibility for separation.
The report of the NTSB states: "According to the FAA, a near midair collision is defined as an incident associated with the operation of an aircraft in which a possibility of collision occurs as a result of proximity less than 500 feet to another aircraft (i.e. 500 feet absolute distance) or a report is received from a pilot or a flight crew member stating that a collision hazard existed between two or more aircrafts. The [incident] did not meet this criterion and the flight crews did not submit NMAC reports."
The Hon. Charles Clifford, Minister responsible for the national airline stated, "Now that the NTSB has concluded its investigation I feel it appropriate to publicly comment on the incident. I am pleased the official report is supportive of Cayman Airways and the actions of our crew. The pilots and staff at CAL have provided professional service to these islands for 40 years and safety remains their top priority. I am happy that this matter is now closed."
For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
1-345-743-8228
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