The commission investigating the August 20 air crash in Madrid, which killed 154 people, was Wednesday accused of delays in investigating other accidents, which could jeopardize air safety.

The commission had not yet issued the results of 51 investigations on accidents which occurred more than 12 months ago, the time limit set by the European Union and other international organizations, the daily Periodico de Catalunya reported.

The accidents still under investigation included a 2005 crash in the northern region of Asturias, where the pilot sustained serious injuries.

Pilots' representatives earlier stepped down from the commission after a preliminary report on the Madrid accident was leaked to the press.

A Spanair MD-82 jet crashed at Madrid airport after take-off. Eighteen people survived the accident.