International team investigating cause of Emirates flight’s crash landing

Work is currently under way to retrieve the black box flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder from the scene.

An Emirates Boeing 777-300 was gutted by fire at Dubai international airport. An investigation into the cause of the crash landing is under way. EPA

DUBAI // A team of international experts is assisting with the investigation into the cause of the Emirates flight EK521 crash.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is leading the team, which includes representatives of US aircraft giant Boeing, builder of the 777, and UK engine maker Rolls-Royce.

Work is now under way to retrieve the flight data after the cockpit voice recorders were recovered from the scene. A preliminary report into the crash is anticipated within a month.

“Once recovered, the recorders will be brought to the GCAA-AAIS [air accident investigation sector] laboratory in Abu Dhabi for downloading and analysis of data,” the GCAA said.

“The aircraft technical records, along with files and documents concerning the crew, are being preserved. AAIS investigators are working around the clock to collect a significant number of documents and make them available to the investigation team.”

The Boeing 777-300 fuselage was destroyed in the blaze, which took hold shortly after the aircraft crash landed at Dubai International Airport, the GCAA said.

At the time, winds of 39 kph were blowing towards the north-west of the airfield, according to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology. There also were reports of wind shear, a sudden downdraft encountered by aircraft that can be dangerous, especially for planes near the ground.

“On completion of the investigation, GCAA shall prepare and publish the final investigation report,” said Ismaeil Al Hosani, AAIS assistant director general

The authority also warned against sharing videos, news or pictures of the accident on social media.

“Sharing such practices is considered to be irresponsible and disrespectful to the victims and is punishable under UAE law,” it said on Twitter.

* Additional reporting by AP