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National Air Cargo has released a statement:

Statement from National Air Cargo
May 1, 2013

National Air Cargo will not speculate as to the cause of the accident involving National Flight NCR102. With our full cooperation, an investigation by appropriate authorities is under way, and we encourage everyone to join us in respecting that process and allowing it to take its appropriate course.

Here are some facts regarding the aircraft and its movements prior to the accident:

  • National Flight NCR102 was en route to Dubai from Camp Bastian and had stopped to refuel at Bagram Air Base.
  • The cargo contained within the aircraft was properly loaded and secured, and had passed all necessary inspections prior to departing Camp Bastian.
  • The aircraft landed safely and uneventfully in Bagram.
  • No additional cargo or personnel was added during the stop in Bagram, and the aircraft’s cargo was again inspected prior to departure.

 

April 29 A National Air Cargo 747-400 freighter, N949CA, crashed at around 3pm Monday, following take-off from the US air base in Bagram, Afghanistan. All seven crew members died, following a severe fire which broke out when the aircraft, flight NCR102, hit the ground. All were US citizens.

“This is a devastating loss for our family and we’ll work diligently with authorities to find the cause,” National Airlines president Glen Joerger said in a statement.

“Our focus at this time is on the family members of those we’ve lost, and on assisting the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority in their investigations.”

Although the Taliban claims to have brought down the aircraft, according to an eyewitness, (see comments below) the aircraft stalled on take-off, the nose went vertical and it ‘came straight back down’. Afghan authorities have denied enemy involvement.

The aircraft was said to be carrying military equipment bound for Dubai.

The National Airlines Family Information Call Center has been activated to support any family members requiring information – the number is 888-705-7560.

The website LiveLeak claims to have footage, filmed from a bus. The link is here – but it is distressing, so please be warned. There is apparently a list of crew members in the comments section here – please note – we have not verified this information.

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