Investigation of airplanes crash in Slovakia still underway

The investigation into the crash of two airplanes in midair on Thursday is underway and the final report will be available in a short time, Aviation Club Dubnica nad Vahom chairman Stefan Pohanka said on Friday.

"The information appearing in some media that one of the airplanes was overloaded was irresponsible. No one should announce that without having any evidence. The cause of the accident will be revealed by investigators that will have enough evidence," said Pohanka, adding that the air show, planned for Sunday, had officially been cancelled.

According to Pohanka, the air accident would halt operations of the aviation club, but it wouldn't lead to its end.

"We will go on. In what way, we'll decide shortly. Now we have to do things that need to be done, at the moment we are preparing a farewell to the victims of the tragedy," said Pohanka.

One of the victims was the Slavnica Airport air traffic control supervisor and the "engine" of the aviation club.

During a rehearsal of synchronised skydiving for the Aug. 23 air show, a mid-air collision of two airplanes type L-410 occurred, each carrying 17 skydivers and 2 pilots. Out of the 38 people involved in the exercise, 31 skydivers managed to jump out. Four pilots and three skydivers died in the crash. Endit