Vilnius plane crash: Technical fault or pilot error likely
An investigation into Monday's DHL plane crash in Vilnius is underway. The Lithuanian prosecutor's office indicates that the cause was either a technical issue or a pilot error. On Tuesday, the aircraft's black boxes were recovered.
As reported by Arturas Urbelis from the General Prosecutor's Office in Vilnius, preliminary findings suggest that the cause could have been a technical or pilot error. "Preliminary information does not indicate that an investigation into a more serious crime is necessary," emphasized Urbelis during the press conference.
The prosecutor urged the public to avoid speculating about a possible connection to a terrorist act. "We are being watched by not very friendly neighbours who will try to exploit any situation to sow distrust in society," he warned. The investigation is focused on improper maintenance or repair of the aircraft and violations of regulations concerning international flights.
Laurynas Naujokaitis from the Lithuanian Ministry of Justice added that "although a terrorist attack is not ruled out, currently there is no indication of it."
Tragedy in Vilnius. Black boxes found
The Ministry of Justice of Lithuania announced on Tuesday the discovery of the DHL plane's black boxes. Investigators are preparing to decode the data.
The Boeing 737, operated by the Spanish airline Swiftair and chartered by DHL, was flying from Leipzig. On board was a four-member crew: two Spaniards, a German, and a Lithuanian. As a result of the crash, one of the Spaniards was killed, and the remaining crew members were injured.
