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Sukhoi Superjet Encountered a Windshear

The Superjet struck the runway on landing so hard that it ruptured the wing and fuel lines. Courtesy Sukhoi
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Key Takeaways:

  • Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an electrical failure and loss of radio communication during a thunderstorm, prompting the crew to initiate an overweight landing.
  • During the final approach, the crew received multiple windshear warnings to go around and a terrain alert but continued the landing.
  • The aircraft touched down hard, bounced several times, and on the third impact, a 5g vertical overload ruptured fuel lines, causing a fire that killed 41 people.
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The Russian Ministry of Transport’s initial findings into the May 5 Sukhoi Superjet accident at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport said the crew received a windshear alert in the final minutes of the flight. Moments later, Aeroflot Flight 1492 landed hard on Runway 24 Left and bounced several times before bursting into flames. Forty-one people on board died in the accident while 37 survived the crash.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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