46 fatalities

2004-08-24: Tupolev TU-154 (RA-85556) — Aviakompania Sibir - Siberia Airlines — Gluboki, Russia

Gluboki, RussiaFlight

On August 24, 2004, a Tupolev TU-154 (registration RA-85556) operated by Aviakompania Sibir - Siberia Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Gluboki, Russia in flight. 46 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The destruction of the aircraft was caused by a bomb detonation facilitated by security lapses during the boarding process. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781200165Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft traveling from Moscow to Sochi experienced an in-flight explosion at cruising altitude, resulting in the loss of all 46 people on board.

What happened

On a scheduled flight departing from Moscow-Domodedovo Airport at 21:40 local time, an aircraft bound for Sochi-Adler Airport experienced a catastrophic event during its cruise phase. While maintaining an altitude of approximately 12,100 metres, the plane underwent an in-flight explosion. This triggered an uncontrolled descent, leading to the wreckage impacting a field situated near Gluboki.

Emergency responders reached the crash site roughly eight hours after the incident occurred. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were no survivors among the 46 fatalities recorded on the flight.

Findings

Investigations conducted by the Federal Safety Board (FSB) determined that the primary cause of the accident was an explosive device detonation. Evidence recovered from the wreckage included traces of hexogene. The investigation highlighted significant security failures at the departure point, noting that two passengers arriving from Makhatshala had boarded the flight with the explosive material due to insufficient screening protocols.

Probable cause

The destruction of the aircraft was caused by a bomb detonation facilitated by security lapses during the boarding process.