A Russian SSJ-100 passenger plane caught fire at Antalya Airport. The Sukhoi Superjet 100-95LR operating for Azimut Airlines had just arrived from Sochi. There were no fatalities among the crew or passengers.
Following the incident, Turkey’s Ministry of Transport announced a suspension on accepting aircraft until 3:00 AM on Monday. Departures from the airport continue from a military runway.
The aircraft had 89 passengers and 6 crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated.
Russian diplomats quickly arrived at the scene of the incident. The Russian Federation is in close contact with Turkish authorities to assist its citizens, as stated by Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
What are the most common causes of aircraft fires during landing?
Interview with Aviation Safety Specialist on SSJ-100 Incident at Antalya Airport
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent incident involving a Russian SSJ-100 passenger plane that caught fire upon arrival at Antalya Airport. Can you provide us with an overview of what typically causes such incidents?
Specialist: Thank you for having me. Aircraft fires upon landing are relatively rare but can occur due to a variety of technical malfunctions. In this case, eyewitnesses reported that the engine first caught fire, which suggests it may have been related to an engine failure or malfunction during the descent or landing phase. Investigations will focus on both mechanical factors and any potential human errors.
Interviewer: Given that there were 89 passengers and 6 crew members onboard, what emergency protocols are in place for such situations?
Specialist: Airlines and airports have stringent safety protocols designed for emergency evacuations. Crew members are trained extensively for cabin safety, and in this case, the quick evacuation is commendable. The fact that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated speaks to their training and the effective emergency response measures at the airport.
Interviewer: Turkey’s Ministry of Transport suspended incoming aircraft operations after the incident. Why might they have taken this precaution?
Specialist: Such measures are standard practice. Suspending incoming flights ensures that emergency services can focus on addressing the fire and securing the area without the additional risk of other aircraft landing or taking off. It also allows for a thorough assessment of the runway and surrounding infrastructure for safety prior to reopening.
Interviewer: Following the incident, the Russian Foreign Ministry mentioned that they are in close contact with Turkish authorities. How important is international cooperation in addressing aviation incidents like this?
Specialist: International cooperation is crucial in aviation incidents. It ensures that affected parties receive immediate assistance and that investigations can proceed without political hurdles. Diplomatic engagement helps to coordinate support for any nationals involved while also facilitating the transfer of necessary data and resources for a thorough investigation.
Interviewer: The aircraft in question was seven years old and had been in service with Azimut Airlines since December 2017. Does aircraft age influence safety, and what are the concerns for older aircraft?
Specialist: Aircraft safety hinges on rigorous maintenance, regardless of age. While an older aircraft may present higher risks if not maintained properly, regular inspections and adherence to safety protocols are what matter most. The investigation will have to consider the maintenance history of this particular aircraft to determine if any lapses contributed to the incident.
Interviewer: What can passengers do to feel safer when flying, especially following news of such incidents?
Specialist: Passengers should feel confident in the safety measures taken by reputable airlines. Researching an airline’s safety record and understanding that aviation is still one of the safest forms of transportation may help. Familiarizing oneself with emergency procedures and being aware of exits and safety equipment in the cabin can also increase their sense of preparedness during a flight.
Interviewer: Thank you for providing your insights on this concerning incident. It’s reassuring to hear that all individuals onboard were safely evacuated, but further investigation is certainly needed.
Specialist: Thank you for having me. Safety remains the top priority in aviation, and continuous improvements rely on thorough investigations and transparent reporting of incidents like this one.
Witnesses reported that the engine first caught fire. As a precaution, the runway where the plane landed was closed for landing and takeoff.
The burning aircraft is seven years old and has been in service with the airline since December 2017, according to Artem Korenyako, a representative of the Federal Air Transport Agency on Telegram.
The Federal Air Transport Agency is investigating the incident.
