NTSB Working In Concert With UAE Civil Aviation Authority

Investigators looking into the crash of a UPS 747 which went down in Dubai last Friday say evidence points to a possible fire in the cargo hold of the aircraft.

UPS 747 File Photo

The pilots of the aircraft reported smoke in the cockpit of the airplane before it went down 50 minutes after takeoff from Dubai International Airport. Emirates 24/7 News online reports that investigators are working to identify what kind of cargo was being carried by the aircraft.

The NTSB is working with the Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE on the investigation. The probe is focusing on an area just forward of the starbord wing. Investigators are trying to determine if there were lithium-ion batteries being transported in that area of the airplane. That type of battery has been identified as a potential fire risk if it short-circuits.

UAE air traffic controllers had advised the pilot to return to Dubai when smoke reportedly filled the cockpit, reducing visibility. Preliminary information indicates that the plane was high on approach and overshot the runway before going down near the airport.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov, www.gcaa.ae/en