The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft, belonging to Gazprom avia, crashed during a test flight near Moscow, killing its three-man crew. The cause of the crash is unknown, with reports of engine failure, a bird strike, or a fuel issue.
The test flight was unauthorized, leading to an investigation by the country’s top criminal agency. The SSJ100, with Western-sourced components, including French engines, faced challenges after Safran withdrew support post-Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The aviation industry in Russia has been impacted by sanctions, resulting in increased in-flight emergencies. Despite claims of self-sufficiency in aircraft maintenance, the crash raises doubts. Rostech advised against rushing to conclusions about the crash.
The SSJ100, introduced in 2011, aimed to reduce Russia’s dependence on Western aviation but faced maintenance issues and low demand. Foreign customers phased out the Superjets from service, reflecting its struggles in the aviation market.