The results of the investigation into Emirates flight EK521 will be published in one month, according to UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Work to recover the black box and other flight data is ongoing following what the airline is calling an “operational incident” on August 3.
The latest press release from the airline says five passengers were “brought to local hospitals with minor injuries” and news reports on the evening following the crash landing and fire, confirmed firefighter Jasim Al Beloushi from Ras Al Khaimah died while working onsite following the incident.
Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of GCAA said: “On behalf of the General Civil Aviation Authority, I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of deceased. I salute his ultimate sacrifice that kept many from harm’s way. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Emirates confirmed that of the 282 passengers on the flight , 157 disembarked in Dubai and left the airport yesterday afternoon; 107 passengers opted to continue on their journeys and remained airside where they were provided with refreshments, rest areas, and other necessities, while Emirates re-booked them on the next possible flights. Thirteen passengers opted to stay a few days in Dubai before continuing on their journeys and Emirates has provided them with hotel accommodation and dedicated support.
The aircraft, purchased in 2003, was a Boeing 777-300 registration A6-EMW powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines. It was travelling from Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram, India to Dubai. There were 282 passengers and 18 crew on board and both the pilot and first officer are said to have 7,000 hours flying experience each, according to information supplied to press by the airline.
The incident happened less than a week after UK-based The Guardian published a report based on papers leaked from Flydubai claiming crew fatigue was putting passengers at risk. Flydubai refuted the allegations.
