On November 25, 2024, a Boeing 737-400 freighter crashed near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania, killing one crew member and injuring three others.
The aircraft, operated by Spain-based Swiftair for DHL, was approaching the runway when it veered off course, struck a residential house, and burst into flames.
Now, Lithuanian prosecutors have shared a key update. Their investigation suggests the DHL Swiftair crash likely stemmed from pilot error. This finding, announced on 26 March, sheds new light on the tragic incident.
DHL Swiftair Crash: Investigation Findings
The Boeing 737-400 freighter had taken off from Leipzig, Germany, carrying cargo bound for Vilnius. It had proceeded as a routine flight until the final moments of the approach to Vilnius Airport (VNO).
Data from the flight recorders, recovered shortly after the crash, revealed no signs of sabotage or terrorism. Instead, the focus turned to human factors.
Prosecutors now believe the pilot may have inadvertently deactivated the hydraulic system. This system powers the wing flaps, which are vital for slowing the aircraft and maintaining lift during low speeds at landing.
Authorities named the surviving Spanish pilot, who was flying the aircraft, as a suspect. Seriously injured in the crash, he was recently moved to Spain for treatment.
Lithuanian authorities have asked Spanish officials to question him as part of the ongoing probe. The investigation falls under Lithuania’s Criminal Code, targeting potential violations in aircraft operation. While the pilot’s role is under scrutiny, no final conclusions have been drawn yet.
The crash claimed the life of one Spanish crew member. The three survivors – a Lithuanian, a German, and the Spanish pilot – suffered varying injuries.
On the ground, the damaged house sparked safety concerns, though no residents were harmed. The wreckage left a stark scene near the quiet airport, prompting a swift response from emergency teams.
Investigation: A Collective Effort
Lithuania’s Prosecutor General’s Office is leading the effort, supported by experts from Germany, Spain, and the United States.
Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation analyzed the black boxes, sent there due to Lithuania’s limited facilities.
Spain’s CIAIAC is involved as the airline’s home base, while the U.S. contributes through the NTSB, FAA, and Boeing. This global teamwork highlights the case’s complexity.
Initial findings came fast, and by December 2024 the Lithuanian Ministry of Justice ruled out foul play.
Now, with pilot error in the spotlight, the investigation digs deeper into flight data and crew actions. A final report could take months, as every detail matters in piecing together the cause.
For aviation watchers, this crash raises familiar questions. Pilot training, cockpit procedures, and mechanical safeguards are all under review.
The Boeing 737-400, a workhorse in cargo fleets, has a solid track record. Yet, human error remains a leading factor in air accidents worldwide. As the probe continues, the industry awaits lessons that could prevent future tragedies.
For now, the DHL Swiftair crash in Vilnius stands as a somber reminder. Even routine flights can turn deadly in an instant. With the pilot’s testimony still pending, Lithuanian prosecutors are determined to uncover the full story behind this devastating event.
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