SINGAPORE AIRLINES FLIGHT SQ 006 (Preliminary report)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Ahmad Mohd Magad asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology if he will provide a preliminary report on the causes of the crash of the ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight SQ 006 in Taipei on 31st October 2000.

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology when he expects the investigation of the crash of flight SQ 006 at Taipei to be completed.

The Minister for Communications and Information Technology (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have your permission to answer Question Nos. 1 and 2 together?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: First, let me express on behalf of the Singapore Government, our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who were affected by the crash of flight SQ 006. The Government is indeed deeply saddened by this tragic accident. I will now update the House on the progress of the investigations. The Aviation Safety Council (ASC) of Taiwan is leading the investigations into the accident, with the support of experts from the USA, Singapore and Australia. The investigators will determine the cause of the accident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. As Members already know, preliminary findings revealed that the aircraft had taken off from the wrong runway, 05R, instead of the designated 05L. Investigators are trying to find out how and why this happened.

To do this, the investigator-in-charge, Dr Yong Kay of the Aviation Safety Council of Taiwan, has indicated that the investigators would need to gather all factual data and do the necessary analysis. He has indicated that it would take about a year to complete the investigation.

Mr Ahmad Mohd Magad (Pasir Ris): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I ask the Minister what is the prospect of our three pilots facing prosecution by the Taiwanese government?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, the Taiwanese authorities have stated that they would let the investigations continue before deciding what to do.