Black boxes found, Diamond DA-40 use suspended after crash

Rosaviatsiya has suspended the operation of Diamond DA-40 aircraft in subordinate educational institutions. This decision, announced on February 3, is due to the need for an unscheduled audit of the technical condition of such machines after the crash in Orsk.

At the crash site, flight recorders — «black boxes» — were found. They have been handed over to the commission of the Interstate Aviation Committee for detailed study. Insurance companies will pay one million rubles (approximately $13,300 at current rates) to the families of the victims.

On the morning of February 3, the head of Rosaviatsiya, Dmitry Yadrov, inspected the crash area from the air. He also heard reports from the rector of St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation (SPbSUGA), Yuri Mikhalchevsky, and specialists on support for relatives and preliminary versions.

Until the investigation is completed, any conclusions about the causes of the crash are premature,

emphasized the department.

The plane crash occurred on February 2 around 13:00 local time in the area of the village of Dzhanatalap in the city of Orsk, Orenburg Region. The aircraft belonged to St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation. According to the preliminary version of the Investigative Committee, the cause could have been a piloting error or a technical malfunction of the plane.

Among the victims, it is reported, could be two fourth-year cadets from the flight operation faculty, who were undergoing practice in Orsk. One of them was 20 years old, the other 21. St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the tragedy«s victims.