Tragedy Taints Siberian Skies – Vladivostok Air Flight 352
On July 4, 2001, a Vladivostok Air Tupolev Tu-154M (tail number RA-85845) operating as Flight 352 tragically crashed near Irkutsk Airport, Russia. The scheduled Yekaterinburg-Irkutsk-Vladivostok flight plunged to the ground during its final approach, claiming all 145 lives onboard.
- Vladivostok Air Flight 352
- Flight number: XF352
- Aircraft: Tupolev Tu-154M
- Tail number: RA-85845
- Date: July 4, 2001
- Time: 20:47 local time
- Origin: Yekaterinburg Koltsovo Airport
- Destination: Vladivostok International Airport
- Fatalities: 145 (all on board)
- Survivors: 0
Vladivostok Air Flight 352, the aircraft was en route from Yekaterinburg to Vladivostok via Irkutsk when it crashed during its approach to Irkutsk Airport. The cause of the crash was determined to be pilot error. The pilots failed to maintain the correct speed during the approach, which resulted in the aircraft stalling and crashing.
Echoes of Impact: The crash of Flight 352 sent shockwaves through Russia’s aviation industry. It was the third deadliest aviation accident in the country’s history at that moment, exposing critical weaknesses in pilot training and highlighting the urgent need for improved safety regulations.
Transforming Tragedy: In the wake of the disaster, significant reforms were implemented. Pilot training procedures were revamped, safety regulations tightened, and operational oversight enhanced. These changes, although spurred by tragedy, ultimately contributed to a significant improvement in air travel safety across Russia.
Lessons Engraved: Vladivostok Air Flight 352 remains a grim reminder of the delicate balance between human life and aviation safety. While time heals emotional wounds, the memory of this tragedy serves as a lasting tribute to the victims and a constant call for vigilance in safeguarding air travel.
Here are some additional details about the crash:
- The aircraft was carrying 136 passengers and 9 crew members.
- The crash occurred at an altitude of about 2,500 feet.
- The aircraft broke up on impact and there were no survivors.
- The crash was the third-deadliest aviation accident in Russia at the time.
References and Further Reading:
- Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) Accident Investigation Report (Russian): https://mak-iac.org/rassledovaniya/tu-154m-n101-10-04-2010/
- Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) Final Report (English summary): https://aviation-safety.net/
- “145 Die in Siberia Plane Crash” (BBC News): http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1579072.stm
- “Tu-154 Crash in Siberia Kills 145” (CNN): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-154
- “Pilot Error Blamed in Siberia Crash” (The Los Angeles Times): https://nypost.com/2023/07/09/6-killed-in-southern-california-plane-crash-identified/
