Crash investigators say flight MH17 was probably downed by "a large number of high-energy objects".
An initial report by the Dutch Safety Board, which is leading the investigation into the July 17 disaster, found it likely the Malaysia Airlines plane broke up in the air as a result of "structural damage", caused by the items which "penetrated the aircraft from outside".
It said: "There are no indications that the MH17 crash was caused by a technical fault or by actions of the crew."
Malaysia Airlines memorial in Kuala Lumpur A memorial in Kuala Lumpur to the victims of both MH17 and MH370
All 298 passengers and crew on board the plane were killed when the aircraft, which was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over an area in eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian separatists.
The rebels in Ukraine have publicly denied responsibility for shooting down the aircraft.
Tjibbe Joustra, chairman of the Dutch Safety Board, said: "The MH17 crash has shocked the world and raised many questions.
"The Dutch Safety Board wishes to determine the cause of the crash, for the sake of the loved ones of the victims and for society at large.
"The initial results of the investigation point towards an external cause of the MH17 crash.
"More research will be necessary to determine the cause with greater precision.
"The Safety Board believes that additional evidence will become available for investigation in the period ahead."
