Sukhoi SuperJet 100 crashes near Moscow during test flight after repairs

On 12 July, a Sukhoi SuperJet 100-95 (SSJ100), registration RA-89049, crashed in a forested area near the village of Apraksino in the Kolomensky district near Moscow today during a test flight following a scheduled overhaul, as reported by the operational services to Russian press agency TASS.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations’ Telegram channel noted that there were no casualties among the local population. Emergency services have cordoned off the crash site and are investigating the cause of the crash.

The ill-fated aircraft, belonging to Gazpromavia, had recently completed its scheduled repairs and was undergoing a routine test flight to ensure all systems were functioning correctly. Flight 4G9608 originated from Lukhovitsy Airfield, a major aviation hub known for testing and aviation research, and was en route to Moscow Vnukovo Airport.

On board the SSJ100 were three crew members, all experienced pilots affiliated with the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company. These pilots were responsible for assessing the performance and safety of the aircraft post-repair.

Developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company, the SSJ100 is supposed to be a modern, fly-by-wire twin-engine regional jet, designed to compete in the international market and boost Russia’s civil aviation sector. The aircraft type was briefly operated by Cityjet for Lufthansa subsidiary Brussels Airlines.

The aircraft type safety record is nothing to be desired with a fifth hull loss:

• 2012-05-09 Mount Salak, Indonesia RA-97004 48 dead
• 2015-10-25 Mexico City AP, Mexico XA-PBA non-fatal
• 2018-10-08 Yakutsk AP, Russia RA-89011 non-fatal
• 2019-05-05 Moscow-SVO AP, Russia RA-89098 41 dead
• 2024-07-12 Lukhovitsy area, Russia RA-89049, 3 dead