The plane crashed around half past six in the morning.
Four people, including two pilots, were on board the plane, which had arrived from Leipzig in Germany and was about to land in Vilnius. One of the pilots was killed, and another of the people on the plane was injured.
According to Lithuanian officials, the plane fell and slid along the ground for several hundred meters until it stopped next to a two-story residential building, catching it. The building caught fire, but the fire was localized. 12 people were evacuated from the house, and there are no reports of any injuries.
DHL leases this aircraft from the Spanish airline Swiftair. The AP agency reports that it was a 32-year-old “Boeing 737“, however, such an age is not unusual for cargo planes.
The cause of the plane crash is still unclear.
The Lithuanian police have started a pre-trial investigation according to the article of the criminal code, which provides for liability if the vehicle was not in technical order. Police Commissioner General Arūns Paulauskas told journalists that the possibility of a terrorist attack cannot be ruled out.
On the other hand, the Director General of the State Security Department of Lithuania, Darjus Jauniškis, said that for now there is no reason to connect the incident with external factors, but he also admitted that the version of a terrorist attack cannot be ruled out.
The mayor of Vilnius, Valds Benkunskas, has announced that a state of emergency will be declared in the capital, in order to better organize disaster relief work.
The Lithuanian media reminds us of a sabotage operation organized by Russia last summer. On July 19, two packages were sent from Lithuania to an address in Great Britain via DHL. One of the packages caught fire in Leipzig before being loaded onto a DHL cargo plane, while the other caught fire at a DHL warehouse near Birmingham, England. Both fires happened on the night of July 21.
4th and 5th paragraphs supplemented, 9th and 10th paragraphs added
How does the age of an aircraft affect its safety and operational capabilities in the aviation industry?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aviation Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the recent aviation incident in Vilnius, where a cargo plane crashed shortly before landing. With us is Dr. Elena Stachowicz, an aviation safety expert. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Stachowicz.
Dr. Stachowicz: Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Can you walk us through what we know about the crash thus far?
Dr. Stachowicz: Absolutely. The incident occurred early in the morning when a Boeing 737, leased by DHL from the Spanish airline Swiftair, was arriving from Leipzig, Germany. Tragically, one of the two pilots onboard was killed, and another passenger sustained injuries. The plane crashed, sliding for several hundred meters before ending up next to a residential building, which unfortunately caught fire, but thankfully, all 12 residents were evacuated without any injuries.
Editor: That’s certainly a relief. What can you tell us about the aircraft itself? A 32-year-old Boeing 737 sounds quite old for commercial aviation. Is that common for cargo planes?
Dr. Stachowicz: Yes, indeed. While 32 years might seem antiquated for passenger aircraft, it’s not unusual in the cargo sector. Cargo planes often have longer operational lives since their usage is different. They undergo rigorous maintenance and inspections, which allows them to remain operational beyond typical passenger service life. However, age alone doesn’t determine safety; maintenance practices and operational protocols also play significant roles.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of maintenance. How does this factor into investigating the cause of the crash?
Dr. Stachowicz: The maintenance history and practices of the aircraft are critical components of any aviation accident investigation. Authorities will examine logbooks, look into prior incidents or mechanical issues, and evaluate whether the aircraft was in compliance with all safety standards. Additionally, the conditions at the time of the crash, such as weather and pilot status, will also be thoroughly analyzed.
Editor: Currently, the cause of the crash remains unclear. What steps will authorities take next in their investigation?
Dr. Stachowicz: The Lithuanian police have already launched a pre-trial investigation. Typically, this includes a comprehensive review of the flight data recorders, interviews with crew members, if available, and witnesses on the ground. They will look into the technical aspects of the aircraft as well as procedural compliance, both by the flight crew and the airline. It can take time, sometimes months, before definitive conclusions can be reached.
Editor: Given the tragic nature of this incident, what protocols are in place to ensure safety in similar situations going forward?
Dr. Stachowicz: The aviation industry is governed by strict safety regulations and protocols. Following any accident, especially one with fatalities, there’s often a review of existing safety measures. This could lead to changes in operational procedures, enhanced training for pilots, and sometimes even regulatory changes. The goal is to ensure that lessons are learned and necessary precautions are put in place to minimize future risks.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Stachowicz, for your insights. It’s crucial for the public to stay informed about these incidents, and your expertise is invaluable in understanding the complexities involved.
Dr. Stachowicz: Thank you for having me. It’s important for everyone to be aware of the challenges in aviation safety, and I’m glad to contribute to this conversation.
Editor: Thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to follow this story as more information becomes available. Stay safe, and see you next time!