Aeroflot Superjet crashes - 41 killed

An Aeroflot Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B departing from Moskva-Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO/UUEE), Russia for Murmansk Airport (MMK/ULMM) also in Russia has crashed bursting into flames on the runway. Shortly into the flight, the pilots requested to return to the airport for an emergency landing as a fire was located on board after a lightning strike. 30 minutes after take-off, the aircraft returned to Moscow where the aircraft burned out completely.The aircraft issued a distress signal (squawk 7600 – radio failure - then escalated to 7700 – emergency) after take-off. The pilots tried an emergency landing, did not succeed the first time and, at the second attempt, the landing gear hit the ground, then the nose, and the aircraft ignited. In total, 73 passengers and five crew members were onboard the aircraft. Russian media announced that 41 passengers (including two children) died in the accident, six injured passengers were hospitalized. Initial reports suggest that the fire originated from electrical equipment on board but the crew confirmed that their aircraft was hit by a lightning strike.
The airport authorities closed that particular runway, seriously reducing the airport’s capacity.
In a short statement on their website, Aeroflot confirmed the accident with flight SU1492: “The aircraft headed back to Moscow Sheremetyevo after technical issues and caught fire after landing. The passengers left the aircraft via the emergency slides. Victims have been reported, but the exact number still needs to be specified. Emergency medical care is provided to all those in need.”


The aircraft took off from Sheremetyevo Airport's runway 24C at 18:03 hours local time. The aircraft was hit by lightning on departure. Cumulonimbus clouds were present near the airfield at 6000 feet. The flight crew elected to return to the airport after circling  back. About 18:17 the aircraft overshot the runway centreline. Altitude at that time was about 2400 feet. The aircraft continued the right hand turn, completed a circle and proceeded on the final approach. CCTV footage shows the aircraft bouncing on the runway after what looks like an initial touch down. After the second touchdown flames erupted and engulfed the rear of the aircraft. The aircraft slid to a stop on the grass between runway 24L and two taxiways. An emergency evacuation was then carried out.

Aircraft Details



Airline: Aeroflot
Code: SU / AFL
Aircraft: Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B
Registration: RA-89098
Serial Number: 95135
Engines: 2 PowerJet SaM146
First Flew: 21/06/2017
Age: 1 Yr 9 Mts




THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AND OF COURSE THE STAFF AT AEROFLOT.
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