Russian jet crashes near Moscow during test flight

A Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by Gazpromavia has crashed during a ferry flight from Lukhovitsy-Tretyakovo Airport (UUMT) to Vnukovo Airport (VKO/UUWW) in Moscow. The aircraft broke up and burst into flames about seven minutes after takeoff, killing all three crew members on board. There were no passengers on the flight.

The aircraft had been undergoing maintenance at Lukhovitsy-Tretyakovo Airport from the 6th of May to the 12th of July and was being ferried to Moscow. The flight departed at 14:52 with an expected arrival time of 15:40. The last radio contact was at 14:58.

Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft was flying at an altitude of 1500 meters before it began to descend sharply. By 14:59, it had lost more than 600 meters in altitude within seven seconds and disappeared from radar at 14:59:28.

The crash occurred near the town of Kolomna, and the aircraft belonged to Gazpromavia, the airline of Russia's energy giant Gazprom. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with initial reports suggesting a possible engine failure.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Gazpromavia

Code: 4G/GZP

Aircraft: Sukhoi Superjet 100-95LR

Registration: RA-89049

Serial number: 95078

Engines: 2 x SaM146
First flew: 16th December 2014
Age: 9.7 Years

Sending thoughts and prayers to the family and friends during this difficult time.