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Investigators join probe into DHL Boeing crash near Vilnius Airport

Investigators join probe into DHL Boeing crash near Vilnius Airport
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Lithuanian authorities have announced the continuation of the search for the black boxes of a Boeing 737 that crashed near Vilnius Airport. Investigators from various countries, including the United States and representatives from Boeing, are joining the investigation to determine what led to the crash of this converted freighter in Lithuania's capital.

In an interview with LRT, Arūnas Paulauskas, Lithuania's police commissioner, and Laurynas Naujokaitis, head of the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Division at Lithuania's Ministry of Justice, revealed that several parties will assist in investigating the incident involving a Boeing 737 operated by Spain-based Swiftair. This aircraft crashed during early morning hours on November 25.

Naujokaitis mentioned that investigators from Germany and Spain are expected to join the inquiry. These investigators are likely from Germany's Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation and Spain's Civil Aviation Accidents and Incidents Investigation Commission.

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A total of 12 individuals will be arriving in Vilnius for this purpose: four from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), three from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and five from Boeing. Naujokaitis explained that such involvement is typical during accident investigations as stakeholders like aircraft manufacturers contribute to understanding incidents better.

Despite external assistance, Lithuanian authorities remain responsible for leading this investigation into what happened with the 737-400 that crashed near Vilnius Airport. The NTSB confirmed its role in coordinating U.S.-based investigative efforts alongside FAA and Boeing representatives assisting local authorities.

On November 25th, a statement was issued by Lithuania’s Transport Competence Agency confirming communication about this crash with other organizations including ICAO, EASA ENCASIA EC among others while also inviting these entities' participation within ongoing inquiries related thereto."

Meanwhile," stated Paulauskas "the search continues regarding both cockpit voice recorder (CVR) flight data recorder (FDR)." Due extensive injuries sustained by first officer who is German national communicating has proven difficult but Lithuanian survivor onboard provided preliminary information according police commissioner

Vilmantas Vitkauskas head National Crisis Management Center expressed current efforts focused determining cause which remains undetermined though initial conclusions suggest potential link between either aircraft itself or crew rather than external factors

Amid heightened tensions across Europe following Russia invasion Ukraine February 2022 NATO eastern flank particularly affected experiencing hybrid warfare attacks submarine cables connecting Finland Germany Sweden Lithuania were cut days prior prompting Danish Armed Forces monitor Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 nearby

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called moving said ship Swedish waters without attributing blame seeking clarity Reuters reported In related news Latvian State Security Service arrested two Spanish nationals suspected plotting terrorist act September Šiauliai fourth largest city attempt set fire manufacturing site Additionally incendiary devices found parcels destined cargo flights DHL facilities Leipzig Birmingham Thomas Haldenwang Federal Office Protection Constitution Bundestag committee indicated Russian operatives involved targeting Canada US-bound planes

Annalena Baerbock German Foreign Minister urged caution stating joint investigation needed ascertain whether incident accident another example hybrid attack AP reported volatile times Europe faces today Artūras Urbelis chief prosecutor Organized Crime Corruption Investigation Department Prosecutor General’s Office alluded possibility terrorism though ruled out serious criminal offenses thus far

The Swiftair flight departed Leipzig Halle Airport bound Vilnius November 25th impacting terrain shortly before scheduled arrival resulting one fatality among four occupants while others hospitalized including critical condition Santaros Klinikos ATC audio recordings reveal communications normal no emergency signals transmitted moments preceding crash swift response followed evacuation nearby residents Mayor Valdas Benkunskas confirmed TM later announced discovery both CVR FDR facilitating further analysis understanding events leading up tragedy

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