A tragic incident unfolded near Moscow today as a Russian passenger jet crashed, claiming the lives of its crew members. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 belonging to Gazprom Avia took off from an aircraft-making plant at Lukhovitsy, southeast of the Russian capital, where it had recently undergone repairs. The flight was en route to Moscow’s Vnukovo airport when it crashed into a forest near the village of Apraksino, approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Moscow. The devastating crash resulted in the loss of all three crew members on board. The cause of the crash has not been definitively determined yet, with some reports suggesting that both engines of the plane may have failed potentially due to birds entering them during takeoff.
The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated an investigation into the incident, looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Russian-made Superjet 100, also known as the SSJ100, was initially celebrated as a significant achievement for the country’s civil aviation industry upon its introduction in 2011. However, the aircraft has faced a checkered safety record since then. Previous incidents involving the Sukhoi Superjet 100 include a crash in Indonesia in 2012, where all 45 passengers aboard perished after the plane collided with a dormant volcano due to crew error. Another crash at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in 2019 claimed 41 lives after the plane was struck by lightning.
The Superjet 100 has been plagued by technical malfunctions and high maintenance costs, leading many Russian carriers to be cautious about acquiring the aircraft. Despite Russia’s efforts to market the plane globally, foreign interest has been limited, with only a few customers operating Superjets. The tragic crash near Moscow serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and risks associated with the aviation industry, highlighting the importance of stringent safety protocols and maintenance practices.
