GCAA issues preliminary report on Emirates Flight EK521 accident

The Boeing 777-300 aircraft, registration A6-EMW, was destroyed following impact with the runway and subsequent fire.

The Preliminary Report states that following an attempted go-around, the aircraft sank from a height of approximately 85 feet back onto the runway and slid along the runway for approximately 800 meters before coming to rest. All of the 300 passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft safely before a fire consumed the cabin.

In accordance with international protocols of aircraft accident investigation, the Preliminary Report contains only factual information related to the accident and contains no analysis, or conclusions. The Final Report, which will be issued on conclusion of the investigation, will contain analysis of the facts, and conclusions. The analysis aims to identify the cause(s) and the factors that contributed to the accident. 

The investigation team is led by the AAIS investigator-in-charge (IIC) and comprises the Accredited Representatives of the States of Manufacture of the aircraft (United States) and the engine (United Kingdom). In addition, technical representatives of the Boeing Company, Rolls-Royce and Emirates have been assigned roles as Advisers to the IIC and the Accredited Representatives.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA said: “During the course of rescue and firefighting, an explosion occurred which resulted in the tragic death of a firefighter. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased firefighter and at the same time we hope that the grief of the firefighter’s family is made more bearable by the knowledge that his courageous behavior helped to ensure the survival of all of the people on-board the flight.”

Ismaeil Al Hosani, assistant director general of the AAIS, added: “The investigation team is continuing to examine the aircraft and flight data. Analysis of the data extracted from the flight recorders is ongoing to determine the aircraft and systems technical performance and crew control inputs and performance. In-depth analysis will be carried out to examine the operator’s policies and procedures for such flight conditions.”