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Glenn Mahone/Doc Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington         March 28,2003
(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 03-124

NASA EXPRESSES CONCERN AND CONDOLENCES FOR HELICOPTER CREW

     NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe expressed condolences 
and concern for the crew of the helicopter searching for 
Space Shuttle Columbia debris, which crashed yesterday in 
Texas.

"All of us at NASA express our sincere condolences to the 
families of the helicopter crew members killed in the 
accident. We deeply empathize with their loss during such a 
trying time, and have lowered flags at all NASA centers to 
honor the memory of their loved ones. Our thoughts and 
concerns go out to the injured crew members, and we pray for 
their speedy recovery," Administrator O'Keefe said. 

Administrator O'Keefe visited the operations area earlier 
this week and thanked the personnel searching for Columbia 
debris. "I spoke with Governor Rick Perry, our debris search 
partners, local and state law enforcement officials, and I 
feel this accident has widened the NASA family. We at NASA 
have been so impressed by the devotion, energy and 
dedication of search crews, and we are deeply sorry for the 
loss and injury of the people helping us solve the Columbia 
accident," Administrator O'Keefe said.

The contract Bell 407 helicopter crashed Thursday afternoon, 
while searching for Columbia debris in the Angelina National 
Forest in San Augustine County, Texas. Five people were on 
the helicopter when it crashed. Two were killed and three 
injured. Flight operations have been temporarily suspended, 
and the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will 
investigate the accident. The helicopter was operating under 
USDA Forest Service contract with Papillon Helicopters of 
Arizona. 

Ground search operations for Columbia debris continue. 
Search operations in eastern Texas were scheduled to 
continue for approximately four to six weeks. It is too 
early to determine if the accident will delay completion of 
search operations.

For more information about NASA or the Columbia accident 
investigation on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

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