Air Force Special Operations Command ended its investigation into the May 30 crash of an Iraqi air force Comp Air 7SL aircraft in Iraq that killed five Airmen.

The primary purpose of the investigation was to set forth factual information concerning the accident.

But because the investigation lacked the statutory protection normally granted by federal laws to state opinions in accident investigation board reports, the command could not provide a statement of opinion on what may have caused or contributed to the mishap.

The aircraft's crew, of the 3rd Iraqi Squadron at Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, was on an aerial survey of potential landing zones in the eastern part of the country. The aircrew -- four command members and an Iraqi Air Force officer -- were killed on impact when the aircraft crashed near Jalulah, Iraq.

The investigative team did not discovered evidence of enemy action, mechanical failure or major systems malfunction.

Because it was not a Department of Defense aircraft, a formal accident investigation board could convene. However, because the Iraqi air force requested assistance in conducting an investigation, the decision was made to investigate the mishap as an AFSOC commander-directed investigation.

That decision was made with the close coordination and consent of U.S. Central Command and the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi air force.