Another Fatal Incident for the Let L-410

A Let L-410 (file photo featured) crashed over the weekend, killing 16 and wounding 6. The incident adds to the type’s troubled safety record, this being the fifth incident throughout 2021. 

The aircraft came down near Menzelinsky while carrying 20 parachutists and 2 crew members. It has been owned and operated by an aeroclub that routinely hosted events, including world and Euro championships, according to club manager Ravil Nurmukhametov. Initial statements from local Russian news agency RIA Novosti said local authorities suspect engine malfunction. It remains to be seen, however, as previous incidents throughout the post-soviets have often been caused by crew error. Russian investigators have launched a criminal probe into possible violations of safety rules. 

Rustam Minnikhanov, Governor of Tatarstan, said the pilots had reported an engine failure and requested an emergency landing shortly after taking off. He reported the plane trying to avoid a nearby residential area on its final approach, but "the altitude didn't allow it".

The aircraft came to a rest after colliding with a parked van, rolling multiple times. The emergencies ministry reported six people were rescued, now in serious condition. 

Russia's aviation safety record has been the target of reforms in recent history, as they have struggled to eliminate the stigma of passenger travel throughout the region. IATA reported increases in the jet hull loss rate throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States from 2017 to 2020, topping out at 2.21 losses per million sectors. The hull loss rate for turboprop aircraft, however, has varied from 27.27 in 2016, to 8.19 only two years later. A mix of extreme northern weather conditions, aging aircraft, and spotty safety considerations in distant rural locales all contribute to incidents. 

FMI: https://mak-iac.org/