Communiqués

Investigation Update A98H0003

(Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 29, 1998) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada technical examination of recovered materials from Swissair Flight 111 has revealed that some of the wiring and structure, located in the ceiling in the vicinity of the cockpit, shows signs of heat damage. Some of this wiring is associated with the aircraft`s In Flight Entertainment (IFE) system.

After discussions with investigators from the TSB, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)of the United States, and the Swiss Federal Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, Swissair decided that as a precaution, they will voluntarily immediately disconnect the IFE system on all of their aircraft equipped with this particular system. Information available at this time indicates that the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), under which this system was installed, is unique to the Swissair fleet. It is presently being determined if other aircraft may have this system installed.

At this time there is insufficient information to determine if this heat damaged material was related to the heat source, or was merely the by product of other events.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation into this accident is continuing.

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