On Sunday evening, a regular flight turned into a dramatic event when a Sukhoi Superjet 100 landed at Antalya Airport in Türkiye and caught fire. The aircraft, operated by Russian airline Azimuth, had just completed a two-hour journey from Sochi when disaster struck.
After touching down in bad weather, one of the plane’s engines suddenly ignited. Flames and thick smoke erupted from the engine as the narrowbody jet slowed to a stop. Passengers and crew were on edge, but thanks to quick action by emergency responders, the situation was brought under control.
Firefighters rushed to the scene, surrounding the plane and extinguishing the flames before they could spread. Meanwhile, the 87 passengers and four crew members onboard were evacuated safely. Miraculously, no one was hurt, and the airport confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities.
As the incident unfolded, Antalya Airport temporarily shut down one of its runways, causing incoming flights to be diverted. Despite the chaos, the response from airport authorities and rescue teams was swift and efficient, preventing what could have been a major disaster.
Investigations Underway
Russia’s aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, is now investigating what caused the engine fire. Was it a technical failure? Or could weather conditions have played a role? These questions remain unanswered for now.
The Sukhoi Superjet’s Troubled History
This isn’t the first time the Sukhoi Superjet 100 has made headlines. Designed in Russia in the early 2000s, the aircraft has faced several safety concerns over the years. Since its first commercial flight in 2011, over 200 of these jets have been built, serving airlines like Aeroflot and Azimuth.
However, the Superjet’s track record includes five serious accidents. One of the most tragic incidents happened in 2019 when a lightning strike forced a Sukhoi Superjet to make an emergency landing at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. That crash claimed 41 lives, and the pilot was later convicted for not following proper safety protocols.
A Close Call
Sunday’s fire in Antalya adds to the list of challenges faced by this aircraft model. Thankfully, this time, a potential tragedy was avoided. Passengers praised the calm and efficient evacuation, while experts are left to ponder the reliability of the Sukhoi Superjet.
As investigators work to uncover the truth, the aviation world watches closely, wondering if this fiery landing is yet another warning about the troubled jet’s future.
