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

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 Federal Safety Board (FSB) reported that the accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed near Gluboki after an in-flight explosion during a scheduled flight from Moscow-Domodedovo to Sochi-Adler, killing all 46 occupants.

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.

Probable cause

The Federal Safety Board (FSB) reported that the accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 2004 Tupolev TU-154 accident near Gluboki, Russia?

An aircraft crashed near Gluboki after an in-flight explosion during a scheduled flight from Moscow-Domodedovo to Sochi-Adler, killing all 46 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Aug 2004 Tupolev TU-154 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 46 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 2004 involved a Tupolev TU-154, registration RA-85556, operated by Aviakompania Sibir - Siberia Airlines, at Gluboki, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Federal Safety Board (FSB) reported that the accident was the consequence of the explosion of a bomb.

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