Aviation Accident: In-Flight Explosion and Crash Near Gluboki (RA-85556)

Incident Overview and Timeline The aircraft departed Moscow-Domodedovo Airport at 2140 local time on a scheduled service to Sochi-Adler Airport. At 2253 local time, while cruising at an altitude of 12,100 metres, the aircraft experienced an in-flight explosion. Following the explosion, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a field near Gluboki. ## Rescue Response and Damage First rescuers arrived at the crash site approximately eight hours after the accident. The aircraft was totally destroyed, and all 46 occupants were killed. ## Official Investigation Findings Three days after the accident, the Federal Safety Board (FSB) reported that the accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb. According to the official findings, two women flying from Makhatshala landed in Moscow at 1945 local time and were able to embark with the explosive device following security deficiencies. Traces of hexogene were found on debris.