Aeroflot RRJ-95B Structural Failure and Fire at Sheremetyevo Airport

41 fatalities • Россия, Московская область, аэродром Шереметьево

A fatal accident involving an Aeroflot RRJ-95B, registration RA-89098, occurred during a flight from Sheremetyevo to Murmansk. The aircraft suffered structural failure and a subsequent fire following a series of hard landings.

On May 5, 2019, an Aeroflot PJSC flight, SU-1492, was operating from Sheremetyevo Airport (UUEE) to Murmansk Airport (ULMM). The crew, consisting of a captain, first officer, and three cabin crew members, prepared the RRJ-95B aircraft, registration RA-89098, for departure. Following standard procedures, the aircraft taxied to runway 24S and took off at 15:02:23.

During the initial climb, the crew engaged the autopilot at an altitude of 1,250 feet. The flight proceeded through various instructions from the Sheremetyevo - Krug air traffic controller, including climbs to flight level 60, 70, and eventually 90. Cockpit recordings noted the crew discussing bumpy conditions shortly before further instructions were issued.

The accident resulted in 41 fatalities. The aircraft's structural integrity was compromised during the landing phase, leading to the destruction of structural elements and fuel tanks. The resulting fuel spillage led to an intense fire.

Investigation findings indicated that the aircraft experienced three 'hard' landings. The energy absorbed during the second and third impacts exceeded the maximum structural limits established during the aircraft's type certification.

Probable cause

The primary cause was the pilot-in-command's uncoordinated control inputs during the landing leveling phase and while managing repeated bounces. These actions involved disproportionate, alternating pitch control movements that led to three hard landings, exceeding the aircraft's structural design limits and causing structural failure, fuel leakage, and fire. Contributing factors included inadequate flight crew training for 'DIRECT MODE' flight control transitions, ineffective airline quality control regarding pilot skill development, ambiguous operational documentation, and failure to follow procedures regarding thunderstorm activity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-05-05 RRJ-95B accident near Россия, Московская область, аэродром Шереметьево?

A fatal accident involving an Aeroflot RRJ-95B, registration RA-89098, occurred during a flight from Sheremetyevo to Murmansk. The aircraft suffered structural failure and a subsequent fire following a series of hard landings.

Were there any fatalities in the 2019-05-05 RRJ-95B accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 41 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-05-05 involved a RRJ-95B, registration RA-89098, operated by ПАО «Аэрофлот», at Россия, Московская область, аэродром Шереметьево.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause was the pilot-in-command's uncoordinated control inputs during the landing leveling phase and while managing repeated bounces. These actions involved disproportionate, alternating pitch control movements that led to three hard landings, exceeding the aircraft's structural design limits and causing…

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