Brussels, 09/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 9 September, the Dutch aviation safety agency (OVV) confirmed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 had been brought down in flight by “a large number of high-energy objects from outside the aircraft”. The report provides little new information to establish responsibility for the crash but the European Commission believes that it will be useful for guiding discussions on flying over conflict zones.
According to the preliminary report, the Dutch authorities have not offered any thesis as to where the projectiles came from or what they were that led to the explosion and in-flight break-up of MH17. They are therefore ruling out the theory of a technical failure or operational problem and have no suspicions regarding the security of the aircraft or staff shortcomings. The conclusions from this preliminary report were made by investigators who were unable to access the crash site but the report does underline the fact that the recordings had not been tampered with. The investigation will continue until a consolidated report is made by the end of the year.
The European Commission has emphasised that it was not its task to assess the contents of the investigation report but, nonetheless, thanked the Dutch authorities for the work accomplished in what it described as “complex circumstances” during the preparation of the report. The Commission says these preliminary findings will inform further the reflections on air safety at both European and international levels through the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Discussions centre on assessment of the risks to civil aviation of flying over conflict zones. Last week's transport committee at the European parliament pointed out that improved information exchange and risk management were essential (see EUROPE 11147). (MD)