Fatal An-148-100V Crash in Russia Due to Pitot-Static System Failure

71 fatalities • Россия, Московская область, Раменский район, в районе села Степановское (сельское поселение Ульянинское)

An An-148-100V aircraft, registration RA-61704, crashed during the climb phase near the village of Stepanovskoye, resulting in 71 fatalities.

On February 11, 2018, an An-148-100V operated by Saratov Airlines was performing flight 6V 703 from Moscow Domodedovo to Orsk. The aircraft, registration RA-61704, had arrived at Domodedovo earlier that morning following a previous flight from Saratov. Following the arrival and engine shutdown at parking stand No. 76, the crew and technical specialists prepared the aircraft for its scheduled departure.

At 11:07, the crew began taxiing toward runway 1lag. After receiving takeoff clearance from the Domodedovo Tower at 11:21, the aircraft commenced its takeoff roll. During the initial climb, the autopilot and automatic thrust were engaged as the crew followed altitude instructions from air traffic controllers. The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of approximately 2,000 meters.

During the climb phase, the aircraft encountered instrument meteorological conditions. The pitot-static system heaters had not been activated prior to takeoff. This led to the icing and blockage of all three pitot-static systems, resulting in unreliable airspeed indications.

The loss of accurate airspeed data caused the crew to lose control of the aircraft's flight parameters. The aircraft entered a dive and collided with the ground in the Ramenki district, near the village of Stepanovskoye. There were 71 fatalities and no survivors.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew's failure to activate the pitot-static system heaters before takeoff, which led to ice blockage of the three pitot-static systems during the climb in instrument meteorological conditions. This resulted in unreliable airspeed readings and subsequent loss of control. Contributing factors included the crew's haste to compensate for a late schedule, failure to follow the 'BEFORE TAKEOFF' checklist, and systemic failures in the airline's safety management and oversight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-02-11 Ан-148-100В accident near Россия, Московская область, Раменский район, в районе села Степановское (сельское поселение Ульянинское)?

An An-148-100V aircraft, registration RA-61704, crashed during the climb phase near the village of Stepanovskoye, resulting in 71 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2018-02-11 Ан-148-100В accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 71 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-02-11 involved a Ан-148-100В, registration RA-61704, operated by АО "Саратовские авиалинии", at Россия, Московская область, Раменский район, в районе села Степановское (сельское поселение Ульянинское).

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew's failure to activate the pitot-static system heaters before takeoff, which led to ice blockage of the three pitot-static systems during the climb in instrument meteorological conditions. This resulted in unreliable airspeed readings and subsequent loss of control. Contributing…

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