Alexandria, VA, September 9, 2014 – The Flight Safety Foundation released the following statement from its President and CEO, Jon Beatty, in response to the release of the preliminary report on the crash of MH 17:
“The Flight Safety Foundation continues to extend its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of Malaysia Airlines 17. We owe it to the families and to the entire traveling public to see this investigation completed and we applaud the Dutch Safety Board and all the other investigative bodies who are assisting for the work they have already completed and the publication of this preliminary report.
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There is nothing unexpected in the report – all evidence is consistent with an unexpected in-flight break up. The report does confirm that MH17 was flying in unrestricted airspace under the control of ATC. The crew was properly licensed, had valid medical certificates and the aircraft was in airworthy condition when it departed Schiphol airport
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Our concern continues to be that investigators have yet to have unfettered access to the site and that a proper on-site investigation has not yet happened. The full forensic analysis of the wreckage must be conducted. Those who are in control of the site have a moral duty to step aside and allow the investigators to continue and complete this investigation.
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The ICAO Task Force on Regional Conflict Zones, chaired by FSF Chairman David McMillan, is making good progress on its work and will present its recommendations to ICAO well in advance of the February meeting.”
Flight Safety Foundation (www.flightsafety.org) is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.
Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; mcgee@flightsafety.org
