What Happened On May 9th?

Well, May 9th, 2012 was supposed to be a day of national pride in Russia. Known as Victory Day, the country usually commemorated the country’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9th. 

Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, however, bad news was spreading. A brand-new Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100), a symbol of Russia’s resurgent aviation industry, had set out, but crashed.

Why The Airline Was A Big Deal

This regional jet, was the first civilian airliner entirely designed and built in Russia since the beginning of the Soviet Union in 1922. Engineers poured nearly 20 years of work and innovation into the SSJ-100, aiming to compete with established Western aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. When completed, the plane boasted advanced technology and fuel efficiency, generating excitement within the aviation community.

The SSJ-100 took off from Jakarta’s Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Indonesia. Intended to be a tour for potential Asian buyers, the plane carried representatives from various Indonesian airlines along with Sukhoi personnel. Now, the flight path was planned to be a scenic loop around Mount Salak, a majestic peak nestled near Jakarta.

How It Happened

However, what transpired next still is unresolved, and we are still asking questions. So, shortly after takeoff, the brand-new jetliner veered off course and inexplicably began a descent. Despite frantic attempts by the pilots to regain control, the SSJ-100 slammed into the densely forested slopes of Mount Salak at a high speed. The impact left no survivors, claiming the lives of all 37 passengers and eight crew members on board.

Immediately, the news of the crash was heard throughout Russia and around the world. What seemed like a celebratory day for the nation of Russia, quickly turned into a national mourning for the lost lives.

Not only that, but the 20 years of hard work put into the SSJ-100 all went to waste. Thus, investigations were launched immediately, as rescuers combed through the wreckage and analyzed flight data to uncover the cause of the tragedy.

The aftermath of the crash cast a long shadow over the SSJ-100 program for years to come. Safety concerns arose, and the airlines industry in Russia was under fire for a long period of time. While the Sukhoi Superjet has continued in production, the devastation of May 9th, 2012 reminds us of the importance of safety in aviation.

What Was The Cause?

The official accident report, released two years after the tragedy, attributed the primary cause of the crash to pilot error. Investigators pointed out that the pilots deviated from the planned flight path and descended below the safe minimum altitude for the area. Additionally, there were concerns raised about the crew’s familiarity with the aircraft’s cockpit layout and misinterpretations of certain instruments.

However, the findings sparked debate within the aviation community. Many argued that the SSJ-100 itself might have played a role in the accident. Questions arose regarding potential malfunctioning of onboard systems or inadequate pilot training specific to the aircraft. The crash highlighted the immense pressure on pilots during demonstration flights, where they might be eager to showcase the plane’s capabilities while pushing boundaries.

How They Recovered

Obviously, the aftermath of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 tragedy greatly impacted Russia’s aviation industry, in a negative way. Thus, the program faced a steep decline in orders, and the reputation of the aircraft was absolutely tarnished. 

However, the manufacturer, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company, implemented several changes. His changes included enhanced pilot training programs specifically tailored to the SSJ-100 along with modifications to cockpit instrumentation, for improved clarity. Moreover, the company also implemented a renewed focus on safety protocols throughout the design, production, and operation of the aircraft itself.

While the SSJ-100 program has seen some recovery, it has not reached the levels of success initially envisioned. Such a tragedy highlights the importance of prioritizing safety and pilot training in the aviation industry, whether it’s in Russia or America. 

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 crash has rebranded the day of May 9th in Russia. While technological advancements are inevitable, pilot training and clear communication must adapt to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. In all, this story acts as a call to action for constant vigilance and improvement within the aviation industry. 

What Did You Learn?

A similar story of pilot error unfolded in the crash of Flight 587 in New York on November 12th, 2001. 

This passenger plane was destined for the Dominican Republic with 265 innocent people onboard, but all lost their lives. 

Similar to the event that happened over 10 years later, the New York investigation revealed that the pilot’s navigational errors major contributed to the crash.

So, what are your takeaways from this?

Obviously it’s a sad day to look back on, but there are always opportunities to learn from past mistakes, so history won’t repeat itself.

Thank you, see you in the next.