Emergency services work at the scene where a short-haul regional Antonov AN-148 plane crashed after taking off from Moscow's Domodedovo airport, outside Moscow — Emergency services work at the scene where a regional short-haul Antonov AN-148 plane crashed after taking off from Moscow's Domodedovo airport, outside Moscow, Russia February 11, 2018. REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov

Saratov Airlines suspends flights with Antonov An-148

Following the unfortunate accident, which took place on 11 February 2018, Saratov Airlines suspends flights with Antonov An-148.

By Sorin Rusi Last updated Feb 12 2018

On 11 February 2018, Antonov An-148 aircraft (RA-61704), which operated flight 6W703 on the Moscow - Orsk route, crashed 20-25 kilometers southeast of Domodedovo International Airport, Moscow.

Suspend flights with Antonov An-148

There were 71 people, 65 passengers and 6 crew members. Unfortunately, there are no survivors. Following the unfortunate event, Saratov Airlines decided to suspend flights with other 5 Antonov An-148 aircraft. It will continue its work with the 2 Embraer 195 and 5 Yakovlev Yak-42 aircraft.

Antonov An-148 (RA-61704) was 7.8 years old. Arrived in the Saratov Airlines fleet on 8 February 2017. It was configured in 2 classes (14 seats in Business Class and 108 seats in Economy Class) and powered by 2 D-436-148 engines.

Saratov Airlines is said to have undergone a C-check in January. The wings, engines and main structures of the aircraft were carefully monitored. The control was done with the support of the Ukrainian manufacturer Motor-Sich.

At the same time, the aircraft underwent a routine check-up in Moscow before flying to Orsk. No problems were reported and we mention that the plane also operated other flights that day to Penza and Saratov.

Saratov Airlines also gave details about the two pilots: The captain had 2 147 hours on this type of plane out of a total of 5100 flight hours; First Officer had 812 hours per Year-148.

The Committee of Inquiry noted that the investigations are ongoing. Most of the components from the crashed aircraft were recovered. But the consistent layer of snow has made it difficult for machines and freezers to access the area.