Dubai: After three years, the UPS cargo plane crash in Dubai is attributed to lithium batteries among the cargo items, according to the final investigation report released by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
United Parcel Service (UPS) Flight 6, a Boeing 747-400F (N571UP), crashed while attempting to land at Dubai International Airport (DXB) on September 3, 2010.
The final report said the fire that caused the crash started in part of the cargo hold that contained lithium batteries. This, according to the report, is the reason the fire later engulfed other materials.
“No items posing a flammable fuel load or capable of acting as an ignition source were visually identified except for batteries and battery containing devices,” the report said.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, said: “As per ICAO Annex 13, UAE GCAA has concluded the final report for the UPS Boeing 747-400 Freighter crash after three years of meticulous and detailed investigation.”
He said in line with GCAA’s Air Accident Investigation practices, the investigation has involved a significant level of international cooperation that has seen the UAE take a leading role. A number of independent fire tests have been performed, and reconstruction of the aircraft critical systems was undertaken to establish the root cause of the aircraft’s failures.
Al Suwaidi said: “The report consists of 325 pages that covers all aspects of the accident and lists 36 recommendations drafted by GCAA Air Accident Investigation team. We aim through this report to help the local and the international aviation industry to conclude important lessons for safer and more secure aviation industry.
“Over the past years, the GCAA has gained enormous capabilities in handling air accident investigations, and we are very keen to collaborate with other specialized entities to share expertise and enhance the safety of the UAE skies.”
