On the evening of November 24, 2024, a significant aviation incident occurred at Antalya Airport in Turkey involving a Russian passenger aircraft. A Sukhoi Superjet 100, operated by Azimuth Airlines, experienced an engine fire upon landing, prompting an emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew.
Incident Overview
The aircraft, identified as a Sukhoi Superjet 100 with registration RA-89085, was conducting flight AZO5051 from Sochi International Airport in Russia to Antalya, Turkey. Onboard were 89 passengers and six crew members. The flight proceeded without reported issues until the landing phase.
At approximately 9:34 p.m. local time, during the landing at Antalya Airport, the aircraft’s left engine caught fire. The pilots issued an emergency call, and airport rescue and firefighting teams responded promptly, extinguishing the flames within minutes. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated using emergency slides, and no injuries were reported. AP News
Response and Evacuation
Eyewitness accounts and video footage depict a swift and orderly evacuation. Passengers were seen descending the emergency slides while emergency responders tackled the blaze. The rapid response of the airport’s firefighting units was instrumental in preventing the fire from spreading and ensuring the safety of all onboard. People
Operational Impact
Following the incident, arrivals at Antalya Airport were temporarily suspended until 3:00 a.m. local time to facilitate the removal of the aircraft from the runway and to ensure safety. Departures continued using an alternative military runway during this period. AP News
Investigation and Preliminary Findings
The cause of the engine fire remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest that adverse weather conditions, including strong and gusty winds, may have contributed to a challenging landing environment. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports of potential technical issues, such as autopilot failure, which may have necessitated a manual landing at higher speeds. The Sun
Aircraft and Operator Background
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a Russian-made regional jet that has been in service since 2011. Azimuth Airlines, the operator of the aircraft, is a Russian carrier established in 2017, primarily serving domestic routes and select international destinations. The airline’s fleet consists predominantly of Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. Vikipedi
Conclusion
The incident at Antalya Airport underscores the critical importance of emergency preparedness and rapid response in aviation safety. The swift actions of the flight crew and airport emergency services were pivotal in ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew. As investigations continue, further details will emerge to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to this event.