Parts of plane found on beach

[Auntie Andy]

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...plane-15754405

[Michael Morris]

The full statement from the Air Accident Investigation Branch


Since we opened our safety investigation on Tuesday 23 January, we have been gathering evidence such as flight, aircraft and personnel records, and have been analysing radar data and air traffic tapes. We have been working closely with other international authorities and have kept the families of those involved updated on our progress.

On the morning of Monday 28 January, we were advised by the Bureau d’Enquêtes & d’Analyses (BEA), the French safety investigation authority, that part of a seat cushion had been found on a beach near Surainville on the Cotentin Peninsula. A second cushion was found in the same area later that day. From a preliminary examination we have concluded that it is likely that the cushions are from the missing aircraft.

From the moment we were notified of the missing aircraft, we have been looking at the feasibility of conducting an underwater seabed search for aircraft wreckage. Based on a detailed assessment of the flight path and last known radar position, we have now identified a priority search area of approximately four square nautical miles.


Through the Ministry of Defence’s Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) Project Team, we have commissioned a specialist survey vessel to carry out an underwater survey of the seabed to try to locate and identify possible aircraft wreckage.

Due to the weather and sea conditions, we currently expect our underwater seabed search to start at the end of this weekend and to take up to three days. Side-scan sonar equipment will be used to try to locate the wreckage on the seabed. If the wreckage is found, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) will be used to visually examine the wreckage.

We are aware that a privately operated search is also being conducted in the area, and we are liaising closely with those involved to maximise the chance of locating any wreckage and ensure a safe search operation.

Our remit is to undertake safety investigations to establish the cause of accidents. We do not apportion blame or liability.

[Des Parrot]

As statements go it's well worded and factual (as you would hope from their role).

I hope that they locate the plane. Many people need closure on this.

[Former Labour leader]

As statements go it's well worded and factual (as you would hope from their role).

I hope that they locate the plane. Many people need closure on this.

Agree Des. Noone can criticise the family for clinging to faint hope, but if the worst has happened the sooner it's resolved the better for all concerned.

[Vindec]

The statement claims that the AAIB do not apportion blame. Is that correct as you hear of many occasions where things such as lack of maintenance or pilot error are mentioned? Of course I am not suggesting either of these is relevant to this case but it just seemed odd that that particular reference was included in the statement.

[Vindec]

The statement claims that the AAIB do not apportion blame. Is that correct as you hear of many occasions where things such as lack of maintenance or pilot error are mentioned? Of course I am not suggesting either of these is relevant to this case but it just seemed odd that that particular reference was included in the statement.

I've found the answer to my question from AAIB documents saying:

8 Feb 2018 - It is not the purpose of such an investigation to apportion blame or liability. Accordingly, it is inappropriate that AAIB reports should be used to assign fault or blame or determine liability, since neither the investigation nor the reporting process has been undertaken for that purpose.

[xsnaggle]

I've found the answer to my question from AAIB documents saying:

8 Feb 2018 - It is not the purpose of such an investigation to apportion blame or liability. Accordingly, it is inappropriate that AAIB reports should be used to assign fault or blame or determine liability, since neither the investigation nor the reporting process has been undertaken for that purpose.

But if they check for example servicing records and find that the aircraft in question had not been serviced/maintained in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, then they can state that in a report as a matter of fact. Who's fault that is, is for others to determine.

[trampie09]

The whole episode is awful sad, my thoughts are with the victims, their families and their friends.