"To: Mr. Doug Lavin
Assistant Administrator for International Aviation
Federal Aviation Administration
Subject: Notification of cease of investigation of OA Flight 815
Reference: DOD Letter WE-520/1138, dated November 2, 2004
1. This is in response to the referenced letter from the Department of Defense requiring immediate suspension and discontinuation of all investigations into the crash of US bound Oceanic Flight 815. As stated in reference, due to ongoing classified practices occurring in the suspected crash location, the DOD has denied access citing "National Security". At this time, we have suspended all investigations.
2. Defense contractor, HANSO, currently working in the restricted area will continue the investigation and forward all unclassified information to the FAA. Before departing Fiji, any and all documents pertaining to the investigation will be handed over to the aforesaid contractor.
3. As of now, the cause of failure leading to the crash of 815 is unknown. Mechanical records do not indicate any known problems with the aircraft. The 815 airplane had less than 23,000 hours flying time, the other under 42,000 hours. A weather anomaly in the area when radio and radar contact were lost is the most likely cause of complications leading to the event.
4. In view of the circumstances listed above, we consider that no further investigative action be required by FAA, excepting further information from DOD. The cause of the incident of OA 815 should be determined as UNKNOWN and all case files closed and sealed.
Sincerely,
Stephen B. Wilson
FAA Investigator
Department of Transportation
Cc: Bob Sturgell, N. Sabatini"