Questions Remain Over The Cause Of Ukrainian Plane Crash In Iran

by GoNews Desk 4 years ago Views 2211

Questions Remain Over The Cause Of Ukrainian Plane
The circumstances of the Ukrainian airliner crash shortly after takeoff from Tehran that killed all 176 people on board remain murky.

Ukraine International Airlines all but discounted pilot error and said given the crew’s experience, error probability is minimal.


Ihor Sosnovsky, vice president of operations said: “Tehran airport is anything but a simple one. Therefore, for several years UIA has been using this airport to conduct training on Boeing 737 aircraft aimed at evaluating pilots' proficiency and ability to act in emergency cases. According to our records, the aircraft ascended as high as 2,400 meters. Given the crew's experience, error probability is minimal. We do not even consider such a chance.”

The airline has offered condolences to the families of the victims of the air crash and assured support to the relatives of the victims.

Breakdowns of victims’ nationalities differed: Iran’s tally included 147 Iranians and two Canadians, while Ukraine said there were 82 Iranians and 63 Canadians. That may be because some passengers held dual citizenship.

The pilots were: Captain Volodymyr Gaponenko with experience of 11,600 hours on Boeing 737 aircraft including 5,500 hours as captain, Instructor pilot Oleksiy Naumkin with experience of 12,000 hours including 6,600 hours as captain and First officer Serhii Khomenko of 7,600 hours.

In the hours after the crash, Ukraine’s president has ordered an investigation into the crash. Iranian officials said they would work with Ukraine on the inquiry, but would not hand over the 'black box' — the flight data and cockpit voice recorders — to American investigators or to Boeing. 

Latest Videos

Latest Videos

Facebook Feed