Investigators Name Possible Causes of Orenburg Plane Crash
On February 2, Russia«s Investigative Committee put forward the main versions of the crash of a Diamond DA40 training aircraft in Orenburg Region. Preliminary data suggest that the cause could have been either crew error or equipment failure.
A criminal case has been initiated under Part 3 of Article 263 of the Russian Criminal Code — violation of air transport safety rules resulting in the death of two or more persons.
The investigation has established that the light aircraft unexpectedly began to descend after takeoff and crashed to the ground. The aircraft sustained significant damage. On board were a pilot-instructor and two cadets from the St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation, all of whom died.
The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised to provide necessary support. «The pilot-instructor and cadets on board were part of our aviation team. Their departure is a great loss not only for their fellow students and mentors, but for all of us,» the agency stated.
According to available information, the deceased students were fourth-year students of the flight operations faculty, undergoing training in Orsk. One of them was 20 years old, from the Moscow region, the other was 21, from Yekaterinburg.
In mourning, Rosaviatsia and the university have changed their profile pictures on official channels. University representatives have not yet commented, stating that a special commission is studying the situation.
