In a tragic incident, a Russian Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ 100) belonging to Gazpromavia, crashed in the Kolomensky district of Moscow, killing all three people on board. The aircraft had disappeared from radars during a test flight after repairs, according to the state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

The Sukhoi Superjet is a significant aircraft as it is the first Russian passenger plane developed since the Cold War. Currently, there are approximately 150 of these aircraft in operation. However, the crash highlights the challenges faced by Russian airlines in maintaining their fleets due to sanctions imposed on Moscow.

According to sources, sanctions have disrupted the supply of spare parts for the Sukhoi Superjet, hindering its maintenance. Reports suggest that the supply of spare parts for the aircraft ceased in 2022 as a result of the sanctions imposed on Russia following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. This has made it difficult for Russian airlines to access and import the necessary components to keep their aircraft in serviceable condition.

The impact of sanctions on Russian civil aviation has been substantial. Earlier this month, it was reported that S7, the country's largest private airline, had to decommission its fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft due to the unavailability of spare parts and maintenance for their U.S.-made Pratt & Whitney engines. This highlights the broader challenges faced by Russian airlines in maintaining and repairing their aircraft.

The crashed Sukhoi Superjet was equipped with French SaM146 engines, but there were reports that it was undergoing testing with domestic PD-8 engines to replace the French ones. However, the production of the import-substituted version of the aircraft has not commenced, adding to the difficulties faced by Russian airlines in replacing crucial components.

This unfortunate incident is not the first crash involving the Sukhoi Superjet. In 2012, a demonstration flight in Indonesia ended in tragedy, claiming the lives of 45 people. Another crash occurred in 2019 when a Sukhoi Superjet crashed while landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, resulting in the loss of 41 lives.

As of now, there is no official explanation for the recent crash. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, including any potential mechanical failures or human errors. Our team reached out to Gazpromavia for comment, but they have not responded at this time.

The consequences of ongoing sanctions on Russian aviation continue to be felt, with limited access to spare parts and maintenance hampering the safe operation of aircraft. As the investigation into this tragic incident unfolds, it remains essential for the aviation industry to address the challenges posed by these sanctions and find solutions to ensure the safety and maintenance of aircraft.