Tupolev TU-154 crash, Apr 10, 2010 (96 killed), Smolensk
Tupolev TU-154 accident on April 10, 2010 near Smolensk, Smolensk oblast, Russia with 96 fatalities. Cause: The crew descended below minimum descent...
- Date: April 10, 2010
- Aircraft: Tupolev TU-154
- Location: Smolensk, Smolensk oblast, Russia
- Fatalities: 96
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: The crew descended below minimum descent altitude without visual contact with the ground, delayed the go-around and did not respond to terrain warnings. Crew coordination, training and the failure to divert to an alternate airport were contributing factors, according to the Interstate Aviation Committee report.
A Polish Air Force Tu-154M carrying President Lech Kaczynski and an official delegation to commemorate the Katyn massacre crashed on approach to Smolensk in dense fog. After repeated aborted approaches, the aircraft descended below minimum altitude, struck trees, lost its left wing and crashed. All 96 people on board died.