SINAI PENINSULA, EGYPT — Aviation officials suspect the Russian plane that crashed on Saturday morning over the Sinai peninsula may have disintegrated while in mid-air, but explained it is still too early to draw conclusions.
Officials believe the manner in which the wreckage indicates that the plane broke-up while it was aloft, according to the New York Times. The debris is spread over an area of 20 square kilometers. The crash claimed the lives of 224 people.
While the investigation continues experts have suggested that potential causes for mid-air disintegration may include technical or mechanical failure, sabotage, an onboard bomb or a missile.
The disintegration could have been caused by a technical malfunction. According to the Guardian, the plane had endured a tail strike in 2001, which, if not repaired correctly, could have damaged the rear pressure bulkhead. This may have lead to an explosive decompression.
If technical failure is ruled out, an onboard bomb may have caused the crash, especially considering recent ISIS threats in response to Russian airstrikes in Syria, the Guardian reported.
Another possibility, still linked to terrorism, is that the plane was taken down by a militant group affiliated to the Islamic State in Egypt. However, according to the Guardian, experts say the group, which may be in possession of MANPADS (man-portable air-defence systems), are unlikely to have the ability to shoot down a plane flying at 31,000 feet.
As well as this, an Egyptian official told Reuters that the plane split into two with the tail section separating and burning. This may indicate a explosion.
Former Israeli national security adviser Yaakov Amidror told Bloomberg another scenario is that the aircraft may have been sabotaged prior to take off.
According to the Independent, the wife of one of the pilots said her husband had complained about the technical condition of the aircraft. Though the airline ruled out technical failure, saying the plane was in excellent condition.
Officials told Reuters that it could take weeks to find out what really happened.
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