Questions Raised over Russia's Aviation Standards after Siberian Air Crash

July 11, 2006
Problems with the braking system or human error were among the two most likely potential causes of the crash.

Investigators have opened an investigation to determine what caused an Airbus plane to overshoot the runway and crash in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, killing 124 people and injuring 57 more.

A Sibir A310 Airbus on a flight from Moscow landed at Irkutsk airport but failed to slow down sufficiently and careered off the end of the runway, crashing into a building and bursting into flames. The black box recorder has been sent to the Russian capital for investigation, but an unnamed airline source quoted by Itar-TASS indicated that problems with the braking system or human error were among the two most likely potential causes of the crash. Airline spokesperson Konstantin Koshman said the plane, constructed in 1987, had been regularly maintained and met all certifications.

Significance: The investigators still have to compile a complete report, but questions have begun to be aired over Irkutsk's safety record. There is a belief that the building which the A310 crashed into may have been illegally erected, which if true underlines the disregard for safety standards. The crash was the fourth in Irkutsk in the past 12 years and while the safety record and compliance with international norms have improved, many questions remain over the latest disaster.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Aircraft Maintenance Technology" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.