Mozambique plane crash probe nears completion

Investigations into the crash of Flight TM470 on Namibian soil in November last year will be completed within the next five months.

This was confirmed by the Directorate of Aircraft Accident Investigations to Namibian Sun this week.

The Mozambican plane was en route to Luanda in Angola from Maputo when it crashed in the Bwabwata National Park in Kavango, killing all 33 passengers and crew on board on November 29 last year

Director of Aircraft Accident Investigations Eriksson Nengola said some “minor information” is still needed from Brazil and Mozambique.

According to Nengola, investigators are soliciting information from the Brazilian plane manufacturer and from the Mozambican airline.

Although Nengola would not disclose the extract information needed, he said if investigators fail to obtain this within five months the directorate will issue its draft findings.

This draft, according to Nengola, will be issued by Works and Transport Minister Erkki Nghimtina, who will then share it with President Hifikepunye Pohamba or Prime Minister Dr Hage Geingob.

“We are on track, but it all depends on the flow of information. If investigators for some other reason cannot access the information needed in time, we will issue a draft report to the minister, who will share it with government’s high offices,” Nengola said.
“This draft will be an interim report and will not contain all the details.”

Nengola said when the final report is eventually given to Pohamba or Geingob, it will also be shared with their Mozambican counterparts, who will have a total of 60 days to comment on whether they accept the findings or not.

However, Namibia will have the final say whether it will be willing to accept contrary inputs or comments.

“When the final report is signed, the minister will then release it and it will be made accessible to the public at a later stage,” Nengola said.

Two months ago the remains of nine Angolan and 14 Mozambican citizens were repatriated for burial to their countries of birth.

The remains of the only Chinese national on board the ill-fated flight were cremated in Namibia at the request of the deceased’s family.

The National Forensic Science Institute (NFSI) is still conducting tests to identify the remains of the remaining victims, who include Portuguese, French and Brazilian citizens.

The area where plane crashed has since been restored to its original state by Cowboy’s Trading and Rental Company, who were subcontracted by BCG Aircraft Recoveries from the Netherlands.

Story and photo:  http://www.namibiansun.com

NTSB Identification: DCA14RA018
Accident occurred Saturday, November 30, 2013 in Rundu, Namibia
Aircraft: EMBRAER ERJ190 - UNDESIGNAT, registration:
Injuries: 33 Fatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. The foreign authority was the source of this information.

The Namibia Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT) has notified the NTSB of an accident involving an Embraer ERJ-190 that occurred on November 30, 2013. The NTSB has appointed a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the MWT investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 as the State of Manufacturer and Design of the engines.

All investigative information will be released by the MWT.