KIEV, March 10 – Donetsk-based Donbassaero is probing the cause of a delay in a regular flight between Kiev and Simferopol, which was scheduled for 7:15 a.m. Kiev time on March 9.

"The exact causes behind the long delay in the departure of the plane are being investigated, after which Donbassaero's management will take adequate measures. The crewmembers were delivered to a hotel for rest at 0230 at night [on March 9, 2010] with a delay, according to preliminary information. Under mandatory rest requirements, the next flight could take place no earlier than midday," said Donbassaero Director General Oleksandr Hrechko.