Aviastar-TU Tupolev TU-204-100 plane crash
Moscow, Russia
Updated on
The Tupolev Tu-204-100 belonging to Aviastar took off from Hurghada, Egypt, for a ferry flight to Moscow, Russia. Eight crewmembers were onboard. The plane crashed during approach on Moskva-Domodedovo Airport, in a forest, about one kilometre short of the runway. Among the eight people onboard, four were seriously injured, and four others escaped without major injuries.
Due to heavy fog on Moscow airport, the plane had to wait on a holding pattern. He then began an approach on Moscow airport, and attempt to land at night in fog and poor visibility. The crew did not report any failures, malfunctions, or the intention to make an emergency landing. But around one kilometre from touchdown the aircraft lost communication and disappeared from radar screens.
Search efforts found the Tu-204's wreckage in woodland, where trees reached a height of up to 30m (100ft). There was no explosion or fire.
First reports shows that the plan ran out of fuel while on holding pattern, and was not able then to reach the runway.
Russian Aviation Authorities have banned Aviastar, with immediate effect, from conducting passenger transport.
