The official report on the ET 409 plane crash, which killed 90 people after taking off from Beirut in January 2010, has been finalized, Ghazi Aridi, public works minister of Lebanon, said on Thursday. The report is scheduled to be sent to the US, France and Ethiopia today for a 60-day review process, after which Aridi said Lebanon will take the necessary legal action.

“The report is finalized but it will be made public after the 60-day grace period … And then, the Lebanese authorities will carry out the legal and technical procedures,” Aridi said during a press conference held at Rafik Hariri International Airport.

The Ethiopian jet, a Boeing 737-800, crashed into the Mediterranean less than four minutes after takeoff on January 25, 2010. All 90 people aboard were killed.

A joint investigation committee was created and managed by Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority to investigate the crash and was composed of Lebanese and Ethiopian representatives, along with individuals representing Boeing.

According to Aridi, the report will be sent to Boeing and the US FAA as well as to the Ethiopian authorities and the French bureau of investigation, which was involved in the matter since day one. The concerned authorities have 60 days to review the report and submit any remarks; otherwise, the report will be made public.

Aridi also said that an Ethiopian delegation arrived in Lebanon on August 19 and held meetings with the head of the Lebanese delegation, Captain Mohammad Aziz, but left without any prior notice and without finalizing their meetings.

Aridi indicated that some of the victims’ families have begun their own legal proceedings regarding the crash.

Aziz, who was also at the press conference in his first public appearance, pointed out investigations into plane crashes usually take several years, adding every element should be taken into consideration.

“As investigators, we have taken into consideration everything that was presented to us from technical issues, to the weather problem and security. And everything is discussed in the report even if it is not related to the accident,” Aziz said.

Reporter