NTSB NAMES DIRECTORS OF TWO AVIATION SAFETY REGIONAL OFFICES

Washington, D.C. -- The National Transportation Safety Board has selected Jeff Rich and Hector Casanova as the Regional Directors of Aviation Safety for the Southwest Regional Office (Gardena, California), and the South Central Regional Office (Arlington, Texas), respectively. In these positions, they will oversee all aviation accident and incident investigations handled by these offices.

"Mr. Rich and Mr. Casanova each bring a vast amount of experience as investigators and a commitment to aggressively pursue aviation safety." said Ellen Engleman, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.

During his 20-year tenure with the Safety Board, Mr. Rich has investigated over 1,500 aviation accidents. These include seven major investigations as Investigator-in-Charge or Group Chairman. He has served as Deputy Regional Director for the past nine years and has also served as a Senior Air Safety Investigator for the past four years. In addition, he has worked as a Field Air Safety Investigator, and a Unit Supervisor.

Mr. Casanova has investigated over 600 aviation accidents and served as Group Chairman of three major investigations during his 12 years at the Safety Board. He has served as a Field Air Safety Investigator, a Senior Air Safety Investigator and a Supervisory Air Safety Investigator. Mr. Casanova has also participated in numerous international accidents as the U.S. Accredited Representative, and he has extensive fixed and rotary wing aviation experience.

Both Mr. Rich and Mr. Casanova have begun serving in their new positions.

NTSB Press Contact: Terry N. Williams (202) 314-6100