A lightning-triggered emergency landing at Sheremetyevo killed 41 of 78 occupants, making it one of Russia's deadliest aviation accidents in years.
Key Facts
- Date
- 5 May 2019
- Aircraft type
- Sukhoi Superjet 100
- Total occupants
- 78 persons
- Deaths
- 41 persons
- Route
- Moscow–Sheremetyevo to Murmansk
- Cause of incident
- Lightning strike causing electrical failure
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Shortly after takeoff from Sheremetyevo Airport, the Sukhoi Superjet 100 was struck by lightning while climbing, resulting in an electrical failure that left the crew with degraded systems and prompted a decision to return to the airport for an emergency landing.
On 5 May 2019, the aircraft made an emergency return to Sheremetyevo, but bounced hard on touchdown, causing the landing gear to collapse. Fuel spilled from the wings and ignited, engulfing the rear fuselage in fire. Of the 78 people on board, 41 were killed.
The accident prompted investigations into pilot training, aircraft systems, and emergency evacuation procedures. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 faced renewed scrutiny over its safety record, and Russian aviation authorities re-examined protocols for handling lightning-induced electrical failures.