Iran missile shut down Ukrainian Plane | Felix Omoko Blog

Video footage shows the moment of impact on Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752. The images show a flash followed by a loud bang. The plane then continues to fly, turning back in the direction of Tehran airport, then crashing into the ground in a ball of flame.


Although, Iran has denied any involvement.

BBC Monitoring has identified the location from where the video was shot to Parand, a residential area west of Tehran.

It's about 30km (18 miles) from Imam Khomeini International Airport, where the aircraft began its journey.

Rows of housing blocks, a construction site and a storage tank, which all appear in the video, match a Google Earth image of the location, according to BBC Monitoring.

These photos, and the subsequent detailed examination of the wreckage itself, will hold vital clues such as burn marks indicating a fire, explosive residue which could point to a bomb on board or possible shrapnel damage from a missile.

An anti-aircraft missile is generally designed to detonate at a distance from the target, sending shrapnel towards it, inflicting maximum damage.

Puncture holes pointing inwards could indicate an explosion or damage from outside the aircraft.

And detailed analysis of the size and shape of any holes could give an indication of the type of missile used.

However, an expert we've spoken to explains that it's not surprising to see the nose - which contains its guidance system and does not itself impact the target - intact and at a distance from the crash site.

Inside reports from Iran says the crash site has already been bulldozed and the wreckage cleared away.

It makes the digital evidence gathered so far a vital element in determining what actually happened to the aircraft.