UAE Investigators arrive in Moscow to examine the Black Box of FlyDubai aircraft

The download is scheduled to start this morning, whereas the other two members continued their way to Rostov-on-Don Airport. Once they arrived there, they were immediately joined their colleagues from the Russian investigation team to participate in the data collection from the aircraft wreckage, documenting the accident site, and preserving evidence that could be relevant to the circumstances of the accident.

Information regarding the aircraft records, files and documents concerning the involved crew were shared with the Russian team. The AAIS investigators are working from the UAE around the to collect the rest of the documents and provide it to the UAE on timely manner.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general GCAA, said that the investigation may take time due to the amount of required information on the aircraft, crew, and the operator, Rostov airport, air traffic control of Rostov airport, weather condition, and information obtained through interviews. Where this information will be integrated with the flight recorders’ data, and analyzed to draw conclusions including causes of the accident, and at the end issue safety recommendations intended to prevent reoccurrence of similar accidents and enhance the level of aviation safety at the national and international levels.

According to international air accident investigation protocol outlined in Annex 13 to the Convention on the International Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation), the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) will lead the investigation as of being the investigation authority of the Russian Federation (State of Occurrence). In addition to the UAE team, a team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States will participate in the investigation as of the being the investigation authority of the the State of Design and Manufacture of the aircraft. Both the AAIS and NTSB will be accompanied by advisors from the operator and Boeing Company. The IAC has the right to entitle any other States to participate in the investigation. 

Ismaeil Al Hosani, assistant director general for Air Accident Investigation Sector, GCAA, added that according to the same protocol, the IAC shall issue a Preliminary Report within one month from the accident date, which contains information that was obtained during the first month and mapping the plan of the investigation. After completing the investigation, the IAS shall prepare and circulate to the participating States a draft Final Report for review and comments.