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No priority versions in Yak-42 plane crash case, terrorist attack ruled out

One of the possible versions of the crash at present is pilot's error and improper organization of work of the airline's flight crews

MOSCOW, April 11 (Itar-Tass) — Russia’s Investigation Committee /SK/ categorically denied the possibility of terrorist attack on board the Yak-42 which crashed near Yaroslavl with the Lokomotiv hockey team, SK spokesman Vladimir Markin said in comments on the rumors in Yaroslavl that the air accident had been caused by an act of terror.

"Of course, such leads in air accidents are always checked along with others. It was checked in this particular case, too. Investigators and forensic experts of the SK central office who have an experience in investigating place crashes joined the probe at the initial stage.

"After examining a large amount of materials and obtaining the results of expert examinations, the version of terrorist attack was dropped at the early stage of the investigation. It was proven by the nature of damage to the plane and the data showing that there had been no explosions on board before collision with the ground.

"The main basis of the investigators' conclusions is the result of the demolition expert examination, which found no traces of explosives on plane fragments.

"One of the possible versions of the crash at present is pilot's error and improper organization of work of the airline's flight crews.

"Nevertheless, it is premature to talk about the priority version. The final conclusion on the causes that led to the air accident and the culpability of certain persons can only drawn after completion of all the investigative actions, including a complex flight air-technical examination that requires much time.

"One can only guess who might be spreading the rumors around the plane crash probe and what objectives they are pursing. Obviously, their intentions are not good.

"The Investigation Committee can only guarantee that after completion of the investigation, the results will be made public regardless of the conclusion the investigators might arrive at or the persons to be named as the culprits behind the tragedy," the SK spokesman said.