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Interim statement on East Asia Airlines helicopter accident released
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     In accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations, an inspector's investigation is in progress to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident involving an AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter (registration mark B-MHJ) operated by East Asia Airlines at Victoria Harbour on July 3, 2010.

     According to the requirements of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the investigation team today (June 29) released Interim Statement 2/2011 as an update to the Accident Bulletin 2/2010 issued on July 27, 2010.

     A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) said that the Interim Statement contains information relating to the accident as determined up to the time of issue, and must be regarded as tentative.

     He said, "Since the issue of the Accident Bulletin 2/2010 on July 27, 2010, the CAD has continued the investigation work to identify the cause of the detachment of the entire tail rotor assembly from the helicopter. The investigation team has ruled out the mechanical failure of any engine component and focused on the cause of out-of-balance tail rotor operation.

     "The CAD issues this Interim Statement to provide such further information as is now available as the investigation progresses. The investigation team will continue to investigate the circumstances and causes relating to the accident," the spokesperson added.

     The full Interim Statement 2/2011 is attached in the annex. It is also available for download at the CAD webpage (www.cad.gov.hk/english/reports.html).

Ends/Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:02

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