Investigation Continues Into the Cause of Russian Airliner Crash

As remains of those killed begin arriving home, investigators work to determine what brought down Kogalymavia Flight 9268

Even after a faction of the Islamic State claimed responsibility in the crash of Kogalymavia Flight (7K) 9268, Russian investigators are not ready to determine that external factors caused the accident. As the first remains from the accident are being repatriated to their native countries, teams at the crash site are still working to piece together what happened to bring the Airbus A321 to the ground.

The flight broke up in air and crashed on Saturday while flying from Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) to Saint Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED). Britain’s The Guardian reports 7K9268 carried a total of 224 people, including 17 children and seven crew members. The aircraft came down in the Sinai Peninsula, losing contact with air traffic controllers just over 20 minutes after departure.

Since the incident, authorities from around the world have offered speculation as to how the aircraft came down. Both the AP and The Guardian report a faction of the Islamic State claims they brought the aircraft down, but authorities doubt the group had the capability. In abundance of caution, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States have all issued flight warnings for commercial aircraft operating over Egypt, asking pilots to fly above 26,000 feet and avoiding landing at SSH.

Additional theories include the possibility of a bomb placed in the cargo hold, or a catastrophic mechanical failure. A search of the aircraft determined the Airbus A321 experienced a tail-strike incident in 2001 while operating for another carrier, but the aircraft was repaired and continued to operate in 2002.

“It is completely premature to speak about the reasons of this as there are not grounds,” Russian Federal Air Transport Agency Director General Alexander Neradko told Rossiya-24 television, according to state-owned news website Sputniknews.com. “And I’d like to call on the aviation community to refrain from any premature conclusions.”

The investigation’s next steps include retrieving information from the flight data recorders, while continuing to search for more pieces of the aircraft. The AP reports that at least one flight of human remains have been returned to St. Petersburg, while a second flight was scheduled for Monday night.

[Photo: Reuters/Sputnik News]