The devastated family of a Keighley musician killed in a plane crash a year ago were today hoping to learn what caused the tragedy.

Kevin Grainger, 54, was one of two Britons among 82 people killed when flight ET409 from Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, ploughed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off.

His family have faced 12 months of anguish waiting to find out what caused the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 to crash on January 25, 2010.

An interim report was expected to be published later today by the Lebanese Transport Minister.

Speaking for the first time about his wait for answers, Mr Grainger’s father, Ivan said: “Kevin was a well-loved son who can never be replaced.

“My family and I sincerely hope that the publication of the interim accident report will answer our questions about the causes of the crash and the terrible loss of life that resulted.

“We are all desperately keen to understand exactly what went wrong and what, if any, lessons can be learned to avoid a similar tragedy for others in the future.”

Law firm Irwin Mitchell is acting on behalf of the Graingers.

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and a partner in the firm’s aviation law team, said: “It has been a long wait for answers, but it finally appears that the much-anticipated report into this terrible crash is set to be published.

“We look forward to reading and analysing the conclusions raised in the report, as well as using the evidence in our efforts to support Kevin’s family, who have suffered a tremendously difficult 12 months.”

The firm’s aviation law team has also represented clients in relation to a Kenya Airways crash in May, 2007, and has highlighted “strong similarities” between the crashes, a spokesman said.

In addition, witness accounts suggested the weather was poor at the time of the tragedy, with high winds and storms close to the airport, and it was reported the aircraft might have been on fire when it hit the water.

Mr Morris added: “So far, investigations by the Irwin Mitchell aviation law team into the Ethiopian Airlines crash have highlighted the possibility of a problem with the aircraft.

“However, without an accident report, there is not yet enough detail available to back up suggestions of possible defects.

“We will thoroughly analyse the findings of the report to determine why the aircraft crashed.

“One of the main areas of investigation will be whether there was a fault in the design or manufacture of the aircraft or any of its components.

“Ultimately, it is part of our job to ensure that, for the sake of the victims and their devastated loved ones, lessons are learnt.

“Passenger safety must always come first for airlines and aircraft manufacturers and it is vital that all companies respond in the right manner to all of findings compiled in relation to this terrible tragic incident.”