![[Imagemap]](/US/images/9601/navbar.gif){kind=small}
ValuJet sound files
Valujet tapes transcripts
FAA releases ValuJet air traffic control tapes
They recount final minutes of the fatal crash
June 27, 1996
Web posted at: 1:30 p.m. EDTWASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration released the air traffic control tapes from ValuJet Flight 592 Thursday, which recorded the two-way conversation with the cockpit minutes before the fatal crash.
All 110 people aboard died May 11 when the plane dove into the Florida Everglades.
The tapes confirm that smoke poured into the cabin prior to the crash. On the tapes, First Officer Richard Hazen tells a Miami ground controller: "We've got a problem," he says in a relatively calm voice.
"What kind of problem are you having?" the ground controller replies.
"Smoke in the cabin. There's smoke in the cabin," Hazen responds. (300K AIFF or WAV sound)
The flight controller immediately begins rerouting other planes in preparation for an emergency landing.
"We need the closest airport available," Hazen says.
"Critter 592," the controller says, "they're going to be standing by for you." (195K AIFF or WAV sound)
A few seconds later, the controller -- by now noticeably distraught -- repeatedly asks Flight 592 to respond, but his calls go unanswered. (235K AIFF or WAV sound)
Experts from the National Transportation Safety Board, which has been investigating the accident, suspect that a cargo of more than 100 oxygen generators -- which provide oxygen in case of a cabin emergency -- contributed to the fire. The plane's electrical system may have been a factor.
ValuJet halted operations recently at the FAA's request following a series of maintenance problems discovered during a probe of the low-fare carrier.
Related stories:
- Official criticizes FAA's 'culture of unaccountability' - June 25, 1996
- Events and developments related to the crash of ValuJet Flight 592 - June 17, 1996
- 109 feared dead in ValuJet crash - June 11, 1996
- Search is over for ValuJet wreckage and remains - June 10, 1996
Feedback
Send us your comments.
Selected responses are posted daily.
| CONTENTS | SEARCH | CNN HOME PAGE | MAIN US NEWS PAGE |
Copyright © 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
