Investigation Into Russian Crash Continues as New Details Emerge

New developments initially rule out mechanical failure and a surface-to-air missile as causes of Kogalymavia Flight 9268 crash.

Investigators looking into the crash of Kogalymavia Flight (7K) 9268 have begun ruling out potential scenarios that could have brought the Airbus A321 down in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, including a surface-to-air missile launched by terrorists. Those working on the case are now focusing on analyzing flight data and the cockpit voice recorder, both of which may hold critical details about what happened in the final moments of the flight.

The New York Times reports executives for the company ruled out both technical failure and pilot error for the reason the aircraft came down after reaching cruising altitude. However, the potential for either a bomb present in the cargo hold or a catastrophic structural failure remain. According to sources speaking to CNN, an American military satellite detected a significant heat flash where the aircraft was flying prior to the crash on Saturday.

In addition, those close to the investigation believe the cockpit voice recorder data corroborates the data presented by American officials. The Guardian quotes an anonymous source cited by news agency Interfax claiming the flight recording was routine until “sounds uncharacteristic of routine flight were recorded preceding the moment that the aircraft disappeared from radar screens.”

The source did not elaborate on the extent of the sounds. Investigating officials have not yet commented on any of the claims presented by the independent sources.

Deflating claims that a surface-to-air missile fired by terrorist could be responsible, Egyptian president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi publicly called the statement by the Islamic State “propaganda.”

“We cannot just jump to conclusions,” al-Sisi told BBC News through an interpreter. “But we are cooperating and welcoming all authorities to investigate.” In an abundance of caution, The Guardian reports American diplomats in Egypt are currently banned from traveling to the Sinai Peninsula.

After investigators believe 7K9268 broke up mid-air, the aircraft crashed in the Sinai Peninsula less than a half hour after takeoff. All 224 people aboard the aircraft were killed. The investigation is ongoing.