“We also have questions on procedures, for example, being followed by the military as well why was the airspace not closed considering the tensions and what had happened just hours earlier,” Van Themsche said.
TSB Chairwoman Kathy Fox said two investigators are on their way to Tehran on Monday as part of the international team of investigators working under the guidance of Iran’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Fox pointed out that there are early signs Canada will be allowed to play a larger than originally expected role in the investigation of the crash. The full scope of Canada’s role in the investigation will likely be determined during the meeting, Fox said.
Canada has been invited to observe the crash site, examine the wreckage and participate in the downloading of data from the aircraft's recorder box.
On Wednesday, UIA Flight 752 crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport minutes after takeoff. All 176 people on board were killed, including 63 Canadians. Iran took responsibility for unintentionally downing the airplane shortly after launching ballistic missile strikes against two US bases in neighboring Iraq.
Iranian officials have expressed regret for the accident, and government spokesman Ali Rabiei announced on Monday that President Hassan Rouhani is following up on a number of issues related to the crash.