A Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by Azimuth Airlines caught fire after landing at Antalya Airport in Turkey on Sunday evening. Fortunately, all 89 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated without any reported injuries. The incident raised concerns about aviation safety and prompted investigations by Russian authorities.
Key Takeaways
- The incident occurred on November 24, 2024, at Antalya Airport.
- The aircraft was on a flight from Sochi, Russia, to Antalya.
- All passengers and crew were evacuated safely.
- Investigations into the incident are underway by Russian authorities.
Incident Overview
The Sukhoi Superjet 100-95LR, registered as RA-89085, was completing its third flight of the day when it landed at Antalya Airport around 21:34 local time. Shortly after landing, the crew reported a fire in the left engine, prompting an emergency response. Video footage shared on social media showed flames and smoke billowing from the aircraft’s engine as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Emergency Response
Upon landing, the Turkish Ministry of Transport confirmed that an emergency call was made by the pilots due to the fire. The following actions were taken:
- Evacuation: All 89 passengers and six crew members were evacuated using emergency slides.
- Fire Control: Firefighters deployed foam to extinguish the flames and cool down the engine.
- Airport Operations: Landings at Antalya Airport were suspended until 03:00 local time to ensure safety and allow for the aircraft to be towed away.
Background of the Aircraft
The Sukhoi Superjet involved in the incident is a seven-year-old aircraft that has faced issues in the past. Notably, it made an emergency landing in Vnukovo last month due to a hydraulic leak, raising questions about its maintenance and safety protocols. The aircraft’s operational history is under scrutiny as investigations commence.
Investigations Underway
In response to the incident, Russian aviation authorities, including Rosaviatsiya, have initiated investigations to assess compliance with aviation safety regulations. The Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office is also involved in evaluating the circumstances surrounding the fire. Additionally, the Russian Consulate in Antalya is coordinating with local authorities to assist Russian nationals affected by the incident, particularly those who lost their passports during the evacuation.
Conclusion
The Sukhoi Superjet incident in Turkey serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations into such occurrences. As authorities work to uncover the details of the incident, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of passengers and crew in future flights. The aviation community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of the investigations and any potential implications for the aircraft’s operational status moving forward.
Sources
- Sukhoi Superjet catches fire after landing in Turkey, FINN.
- Russian-made plane engine catches fire after landing in Turkey’s Antalya | CNN, CNN.
- Russian Plane Evacuated in Turkey as Engine Catches Fire – The Moscow Times, The Moscow Times.
- Russian-made plane engine catches fire after landing in Turkey’s Antalya | Reuters, Reuters.
