Page:Iran Air Flight 655 investigation.djvu/141

 (16) Visual identification of the aircraft was not feasible,

c. [] recalled the following additional indicators which he used in assessing the threat posed by TN 4131.

(1) The aircraft had lifted off from a military airfield in Iran heading south,

(2) The aircraft appeared to veer toward USS MONTGOMERY after CAPT Rogers ordered that the target be illuminated.

(3) The aircraft's lift off from Bandar Abbas was observed to be in a pattern that did not match previous COMAIR flights.

(4) Track 4131 was reported as an F-14.

(5) [].

(6) P-3 turned inbound.

d. CJTFME considered the following indicators when concurring in USS VINCENNES decision to engage track 4131:

(1) The aircraft had been identified by USS VINCENNES as an F-14.

(2) USS VINCENNES mdicated that the aircraft was inbound on USS VINCENNES.

(3) USS VINCENNES was told to warn the aircraft.

D.

1.

a. []

b. Several Iranian helicopters were in the area of the wreckage by 0750Z.

c. At least one hovercraft and up to 20 small boats including tugs were probably involved in SAR effort from 0800Z thru 120OZ.

d. An unofficial list of Iranian Air FLT 655 passengers and crew is included [].