Sukhoi Superjet faces fifth potential hull loss amid ongoing challenges

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 has had four major incidents with hull losses since its introduction in 2011, and this recent event may be counted as the fifth. Previous notable incidents include:

- In May 2012, an SSJ100 crashed into Mount Salak in Indonesia during a demonstration flight due to pilot error and poor visibility, resulting in 45 fatalities.

- In July 2013, an SSJ100 overran the runway at Keflavík Airport in Iceland amidst strong winds; no fatalities occurred but it was declared a hull loss.

- On May 5, 2019, Aeroflot Flight 1492 made an emergency landing at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport after being struck by lightning; of the 78 people onboard, 41 died.

- In October 2021, a Yakutia Airlines SSJ100 skidded off the runway in icy conditions in Yakutsk without fatalities but was considered a hull loss.

These incidents highlight operational challenges faced by the aircraft under various circumstances.

Russian airlines are increasingly using domestic models like the Sukhoi Superjet 100 due to international sanctions related to geopolitical conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These sanctions have restricted Russia's access to Western-built aircraft and parts.

Western lessors have demanded return of leased Airbus and Boeing planes following sanctions. Russia retained some planes despite legal disputes over their status. Sanctions also prevent Western manufacturers from supplying parts or maintenance support to Russian airlines, leading many planes to be grounded.

Simple Flying notes that these sanctions have disrupted Russia's aerospace industry significantly. Production efforts for passenger aircraft like the Sukhoi Superjet now involve using domestically developed engines due to sanctions constraints.

Similarly, modifications are underway for Russia’s MC-21 aircraft originally designed with Western components; changes have added weight and reduced efficiency affecting competitiveness.

AirlineRatings currently assigns all Russian airlines one star out of seven for safety advising against travel on these carriers.