A Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by Azimuth Airlines caught fire shortly after landing at Antalya Airport (AYT) in Turkey. The incident, which occurred on November 24, 2024, led to a rapid evacuation of all 89 passengers and six crew members on board. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Incident Details
The fire broke out in the aircraft’s left engine as the plane taxied to its parking stand following a routine flight from Sochi International Airport (AER) in Russia. Ground personnel and emergency response teams at Antalya Airport quickly extinguished the flames, preventing further damage to the aircraft or surrounding infrastructure.
Passengers were safely evacuated using emergency slides, with the airport’s emergency protocols activated immediately after the fire was detected.
Russia – 79 passengers of the Azimuth plane that was burning at Antalya airport were evacuated, there were no casualties, said the Deputy Governor of Antalya pic.twitter.com/0fOPXpb643
Turkish and Russian aviation authorities have launched a joint investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest a technical fault in the engine, but the exact cause has not yet been determined. The aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been secured for analysis.
Azimuth Airlines has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, stating in a press release that the aircraft had undergone its most recent maintenance check two weeks prior to the incident.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100’s Safety Record
This incident is the latest in a series of challenges for the Sukhoi Superjet 100, a regional jet developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company. The model has faced scrutiny since its introduction due to reliability issues and several high-profile accidents.
One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019 when a Superjet 100 operated by Aeroflot caught fire during an emergency landing at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO), resulting in 41 fatalities. While the aircraft remains in operation, such incidents have contributed to waning confidence in its safety and reliability.
Passenger and Industry Reactions
Passengers on the flight praised the crew and airport staff for their swift response, which ensured a safe evacuation. However, the incident has reignited concerns about the Superjet 100’s operational track record and the broader implications for Russian-built aircraft in international markets.
Aviation experts have highlighted the importance of rigorous maintenance and oversight, particularly for aircraft models with a history of technical challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, both Turkish and Russian aviation regulators are expected to release a detailed report outlining the factors that led to the fire. Azimuth Airlines has temporarily grounded its remaining Sukhoi Superjet 100 fleet as a precautionary measure pending further inspections.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Russian aviation industry as it strives to enhance the reputation of its aircraft on the global stage.
