Uncovering Essential Details About The Russian Tu-154 Plane Crash [Video]
It has been a bleak Yuletide Season across the Russian Federation following the loss of 92 passengers during a plane crash on Christmas Day. While the cause of the incident continues to be uncertain, it is vital to take a closer glimpse at the air transport that succumbed to an unfortunate fate.
After leaving Adler airport near Sochi, the Tupolev Tu-154 plane has vanished from the radar. Considering that it is one of the Federation's better aircrafts, the investigation is now searching for data in order to come up with a clearer perspective.
The Moscow-originated military air vessel is supposed to transport a group of performers to the Russian Hmeymim airbase in the Syrian city of Latakia. A concert has been primed to entertain troops prior to the New Year's Eve celebration.
It has been declared by the nation's Ministry of Defense that the plane had undergone regular maintenance check back in September. Its last repair has happened in December of 2014.
The Ministry adds that a veteran pilot named Roman Volkov, as per CNN, has apparently manned the aircraft. The Class 1 aircraft navigator has been credited with more than 3,000 hours of flying experiences.
The popularity of the Tupolev can be traced back during the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It has become a significant pillar of air transportation.
The first Tu-154 has surfaced in 1972. In order to make it even more efficient, it has been refurbished and refitted with contemporary engines in 1986.
With its 3-set turbine mechanism, the airship easily compares to the Boeing 727. The strong and stable structure of the aircraft is reinforced by the plane's capability to push through various touchdown conditions.
The truth is the Tupolev Tu-154, Al Jazeera added, is the main vessel that transports Federal officials and media personnel Russia to Syria. Although the plane has already been weeded out of production, it is still a significant component of the Russian military.
According to Russia's Federal Security Service, motives related to acts of terror remain slim or next to none. Investigators are looking at pilot error as the main cause of the crash.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already announced a day of mourning for the victims.
