Dozens dead as Flydubai passenger Boeing from Dubai crashes in Russia

[Hans Mann]

Flydubai flight FZ981 has crashed in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don killing all 59 passengers and crew on board. The flight was en route from Dubai and crashed during a landing approach.

Air-traffic control and local emergency services confirmed that the Boeing 737 jet crashed near the runway during a second approach in conditions of poor visibility.

“According to preliminary data, the Boeing 737 crashed in poor visibility conditions, some 50-100 meters left of the runway,” the source said.

“The plane, according to preliminary data, crashed during the second approach,” the source told Interfax.

All crew and passengers on board the plane were killed in the crash, according to the regional Emergencies Ministry.

“During the landing approach a Boeing-737 crashed. It had 55 passengers on board. All of them died,” a regional spokesman told TASS.

CCTV camera footage posted on YouTube claims to have captured the moment of the explosion as the aircraft impacted the ground. However, its authenticity could not be immediately verified.

Emergency crews are working at the scene of the crash and have already put out the fire, according to a TASS source. The airport is to remain closed until at least 6:00am Moscow time.

https://www.rt.com/news/336185-boein...-dubai-rostov/

[PeeCoffee]

Sounds as though the pilots couldn't get the landing sorted out. Sad indeed. RIP to all.
Fortunately not a full flight.

[taxexile]

the video shows the plane on fire before crashing at a very steep angle.

[harrybarracuda]

Oh dear, I know some FlyDubai crew. Hope they aren't on it.

According to a LifeNews source, the plane failed to land at the first approach and was forced to make a reentry. However, at this point the aircraft's tail allegedly hit the ground. The Boeing then crashed and caught fire.

Flydubai confirmed that they are aware of an “incident involving our flight FZ981 from Dubai to Rostov On Don.”

“We are investigating further details and will publish an update once more information is available,” the airline added.

The Emergencies Ministry has opened up a hotline while a team of psychologists has been sent to help the grieving relatives.

Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a probe into the incident with preliminary data indicating that the plane disintegrated and caught fire upon touching the ground. Reports indicated that the debris were spread across the area of several kilometers.

https://www.rt.com/news/336185-boein...-dubai-rostov/

Death Toll now 62.

[harrybarracuda]

Black box found at Flydubai plane crash site in southwestern Russia -- report
Source: Xinhua 2016-03-19 15:48:29 More
MOSCOW, March 19 (Xinhua) -- One of the two flight recorders of the Flydubai Boeing 737-800 airliner was found at the crash site at the Rostov-on-Don airport in Russia's southwestern Rostov region, and the search for the second one is ongoing, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.

Black box found at Flydubai plane crash site in southwestern Russia -- report - Xinhua | English.news.cn

[harrybarracuda]

Flydubai issues statement on crash
Our primary concern is for families of passengers and crew: CEO
By Staff
Published Saturday, March 19, 2016
LATEST STATEMENT FROM FLYDUBAI: Following our earlier statements more information is now available relating to flydubai flight FZ981.

Flydubai very much regrets to confirm that the accident involving flight number FZ981 at Rostov-on-Don earlier today has resulted in 55 passenger fatalities including 33 women, 18 men and 4 children. The nationalities of the deceased passengers include 44 Russians, 8 Ukrainians, 2 Indians and 1 Uzbekistani.

We are currently contacting relatives of the passengers and crew who were on board and we are offering any help we can to those affected.

Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith, with the support of the full management team, is leading our response to the accident. At this stage the focus of our efforts is on establishing the facts around the incident and providing all possible support to the authorities.

Our emergency response team are now en-route to Rostov-on-Don.

The aircraft involved was a Next-Generation Boeing 737-800.

EARLIER STATEMENT

Flydubai on Saturday issued a statement saying: "Flydubai is deeply sorry to confirm the following information in relation to the tragic accident involving flight FZ981, which was flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Rostov on Don (ROV). While we are still awaiting final confirmation, it is with great sadness that we report we believe there are no survivors. We are unable to provide more specific details at this moment but we will provide updates as soon as we possibly can.

"At this moment our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our passengers and crew who were on board the aircraft. We are working with the local emergency services and other agencies who are at the scene.

"Flydubai is in the process of verifying the passenger list however preliminary numbers indicate 55 passengers including 33 women, 18 men and 4 children and 7 crew on board on the Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The aircraft had departed Dubai International (DXB) at 18.20GMT on Friday 18 March and was due to arrive that evening at 22.40GMT.

"Speaking about the incident, Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, said, “Our primary concern is for the families of the passengers and crew who were on board. Everyone at Flydubai is in deep shock and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those involved. We don’t yet know all the details of the accident but we are working closely with the authorities to establish the cause. We are making every effort to care for those affected and will provide assistance to the loved ones of those on board.”

"Flydubai is activating family reception centres for relatives of passengers and we have issued the following numbers for relatives to call: +44 203 450 8853 (UK) +971 (0) 42934100 (UAE)

"In addition we have set up a media call centre that can be contacted on the following number: +1407 205 1813

"An update will be issued as soon as more information becomes available."

Flydubai issues statement on crash - Emirates 24|7

[harrybarracuda]

Majority of the passengers female on a low budget airline to Moscow.

They would have been returning laden with money and gifts for their one-parent families.

Very sad, that means a lot more orphans than usual.

[kingwilly]

FlyDubai, never heard of them, are they a low cost airline?

[Neo]

Sad news indeed

[Cujo]

the video shows the plane on fire before crashing at a very steep angle.

Nothing in the reports about it being on fire before it landed.
Also that doesn't look like poor visibility conditions.
Wrong clip I think.

[Cujo]

the video shows the plane on fire before crashing at a very steep angle.

OK, now that I've seen the clip I realise I was fooled by the cover pic on that video.
I think those are the landing lights we see (flickering because of the trees), not fire, but it sure does seem to slam down.

[harrybarracuda]

FlyDubai, never heard of them, are they a low cost airline?

Yes, a Low Cost Carrier but I'd be surprised if maintenance is an issue.

I've seen several reports of a tail strike.

[harrybarracuda]

Update 5:
Statement relating to flydubai flight FZ981
Following our earlier statements more information is now available relating to flydubai flight FZ981.
flydubai very much regrets to confirm that the accident involving flight number FZ981 at Rostov-on-Don earlier today has resulted in 55 passenger fatalities including 33 women, 18 men and 4 children. The nationalities of the deceased passengers include 44 Russians, 8 Ukrainians, 2 Indians and 1 Uzbekistani.
We are currently contacting relatives of the passengers and crew who were on board and we are offering any help we can to those affected.
Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith, with the support of the full management team, is leading our response to the accident. At this stage the focus of our efforts is on establishing the facts around the incident and providing all possible support to the authorities.
Our emergency response team are now en-route to Rostov-on-Don.
The aircraft involved was a Next-Generation Boeing 737-800.

https://www.rt.com/news/336185-boein...-dubai-rostov/

[hazz]

FlyDubai, never heard of them, are they a low cost airline?

Yes, a Low Cost Carrier but I'd be surprised if maintenance is an issue.

I've seen several reports of a tail strike.

depends upon weather or not you see simulator time for air crew as 'maintenance', Given that modern aircraft are so reliable and the computers do so much... the pilots only really get a chance to learn how to fly after the shits hit the fan, in the simulators.... hence their tendency to crash planes when they have to do real flying... its what separates the BA and Cathay pacific's from the air asia's and air france's.

Obviously far to early to know.... but thats my gut feeling on this one.

[harrybarracuda]

FlyDubai, never heard of them, are they a low cost airline?

Yes, a Low Cost Carrier but I'd be surprised if maintenance is an issue.

I've seen several reports of a tail strike.

depends upon weather or not you see simulator time for air crew as 'maintenance'

No, I see maintenance as maintenance like everyone else.

FlyDubai has an excellent safety record.

But your Freudian slip may be more like it.

Both pilots were experienced, but it sounds like they were a bit kamikaze not to divert like others did.

[Neo]

The Guardian says the plane circled nine times, for over an hour, waiting for conditions to improve.

Also..

Investigators said the poor weather conditions and pilot error were possible reasons for the crash. Russian media reported that an Aeroflot flight due to land at a similar time chose to fly to a different airport due to the weather conditions in Rostov.

Rostov’s governor, Vasily Golubev, said: “It looks like the reason was the strong gusts of wind, reaching hurricane levels.”

However, the agency LifeNews reported that a Ural Airlines plane landed at Rostov and then took off again while the FlyDubai plane was circling. It quoted the plane’s pilot as stating that the weather conditions were not easy, but nothing unusual or dangerous.

FlyDubai passenger jet crash kills 62 in Russian city of Rostov-on-Don | World news | The Guardian

[harrybarracuda]

The Guardian says the plane circled nine times, for over an hour, waiting for conditions to improve.

Also..

Investigators said the poor weather conditions and pilot error were possible reasons for the crash. Russian media reported that an Aeroflot flight due to land at a similar time chose to fly to a different airport due to the weather conditions in Rostov.

Rostov’s governor, Vasily Golubev, said: “It looks like the reason was the strong gusts of wind, reaching hurricane levels.”

However, the agency LifeNews reported that a Ural Airlines plane landed at Rostov and then took off again while the FlyDubai plane was circling. It quoted the plane’s pilot as stating that the weather conditions were not easy, but nothing unusual or dangerous.

FlyDubai passenger jet crash kills 62 in Russian city of Rostov-on-Don | World news | The Guardian

The Grauniad is wrong as usual.

Al Ghaith confirmed the plane had circled the airport for about two hours before landing but said this was normal and the crew did not issue a call to be rerouted to another airport.

[Neo]

Well however long it stayed up there, judging by the state of the wreckage when it did come down, it came down hard

[hazz]

Russia plane crash: Rostov-on-Don black boxes 'damaged'


Aviation experts are examining two black boxes from the FlyDubai flight that crashed in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, killing all 55 passengers and seven crew on board.

But officials say the cockpit voice and data recorders have been badly damaged and are unlikely to reveal much data.
.....
FlyDubai said the Cypriot pilot and Spanish co-pilot each had nearly 6,000 hours of flying experience.

Inter-State Aviation Committee Deputy Chairman Sergei Zaiko was reported by the Associated Press news agency to have told Russia's Channel One TV station that the black boxes containing flight data recorders were delivered to Moscow on Sunday.

But the committee that investigates plane crashes throughout much of the former Soviet Union said in a statement they had been badly damaged.

The black boxes are being examined by experts from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, the US and France, AP reported, because the American-made Boeing had French-manufactured engines.
.....

[hazz]

FlyDubai crash pilot 'was due to leave job over fatigue'

The captain of the FlyDubai jet which crashed in Russia last Saturday was due to leave the airline, citing fatigue, colleagues say.

The Boeing 737-800 crash in Rostov-on-Don killed all 62 people on board, including seven crew.

Pilots speaking anonymously to the BBC say fatigue was a contributory factor in the accident - claims FlyDubai says relate to "confidential information".

One pilot reported previously falling asleep at the controls from exhaustion.

"We are unable to disclose confidential information relating to our employees," a FlyDubai spokesperson said.

"It is important, not least out of respect for the families involved, that we do not speculate about the circumstances of this tragic accident, whilst the independent investigating authorities carry out their work."

The pilots who spoke to the BBC say their colleagues are at "significant and obvious risk" from fatigue. One of the sources has already resigned and another says he will quit.
Poor visibility and high winds are being considered as the cause of the accident, which occurred after the passenger jet missed the runway as it attempted to land.

Reports say the plane abandoned its initial attempt to land and circled for two hours before crashing at the second attempt.

The three FlyDubai staff members said that the captain, Cypriot Aristos Sokratous, had already resigned and was serving out his three-month notice, stating fatigue and lifestyle as his main reasons for leaving.

"This crash was very close to home," a FlyDubai pilot told the BBC. "I don't want to speculate on what caused the crash, but I think that fatigue must have been a contributory factor. I'm also not surprised it happened.

"Crew are overworked and suffering from fatigue. It is a significant risk.

"Staff are going from night to day shifts without enough rest in between. I would say 50% of the airline's workforce are suffering from acute fatigue.

"I raised it with a senior member of staff at the airline who said 'we don't have a fatigue issue at FlyDubai'."

Air disasters timeline

Pilot fatigue has long been stated as a concern in the airline industry. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has previously proposed setting limits on the duration that pilots can fly.

"The attitude among crew before this crash was that it's a case of when, not if, there would be an accident," one of the pilots said.

"We were asking 'do we have to lose an aircraft' for things to change? So staff, while shocked, are not surprised.

"The writing was on the wall. Most crews are running on empty anyway. Everyone is tired.

"I am worried, but I wanted to speak out. Why should people have to lose their lives?

"Approximately 25 pilots out of 600 have resigned since the beginning of the year. From my understanding, most have cited fatigue, rosters and quality of life."

Another pilot who spoke to the BBC said he and colleagues had also raised the issue of fatigue with the airline's management and he had admitted falling asleep on the flight deck on one occasion due to exhaustion. He said he is going to resign from the airline.

"The degradation in performance is noticeable," the second pilot said.

"I have fallen asleep at the controls due to fatigue. I also didn't have full mental capabilities on approach, which is incredibly serious.

"I admitted it and raised it with senior staff but nothing was done about it.

"More of the travelling public should be questioning what's going on at the front of the airplane and should know more about the welfare of the people flying the plane.

"I am resigning because of constant fatigue. I am going to give my notice in the next couple of weeks."

In a further statement the airline said: "For FlyDubai the safety and welfare of our flight crew and cabin crew is of primary importance. The whole aviation industry is heavily regulated.

"We strictly follow authorised flying duty time regulations in compiling duty rosters, with special attention paid to the variables which affect our crews including report times, previous duty and the number of days off.

"If a member of flight crew feels that, for whatever reason, they have not been able to get enough rest before starting a shift, our Safety Management Systems (SMS), encourages pilots to declare themselves unfit to fly."

Fatigue has been linked to a number of previous high profile aviation incidents. It was listed among the causes of a TransAsia flight which crashed in a heavy storm on Taiwan's Penghu island July 2014, leaving 48 dead.

It was also cited as causing a pilot to send an Air Canada passenger plane into a dive over the North Atlantic in 2011, injuring 16 people.

Officials say the cockpit voice and data recorders recovered from the crash scene have been badly damaged and are unlikely to reveal much data.

FlyDubai is a low cost carrier airline, which launched in 2009. It has a hub in Dubai and operates flights to some 90 destinations.

[harrybarracuda]

Flydubai Russian crash probe points to pilot error
MOSCOW, 1 hours, 41 minutes ago

A Flydubai passenger plane crashed in Russia last month after being flown in a contradictory manner minutes before it smashed into the ground, a statement from investigators said on Friday, suggesting pilot error was to blame.

The Boeing 737-800, operated by Dubai-based budget carrier Flydubai, came down in the early hours of March 19 at Rostov-on-Don airport in southern Russia on its second attempt to land after flying from Dubai.

All 62 people on board were killed.

Poor weather conditions, including strong winds and rain, made landing difficult.

In a statement on Friday, the Moscow-based Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), which is investigating the crash, said the plane had been flown in a contradictory manner in the minutes before it crashed.

It said the crew had decided to abort landing and circle round again. They had begun to gain altitude when the controls of the plane were abruptly pushed away, pushing its nose lower.

That, combined with the angle of the tail fin, sent the plane into a steep dive which the pilots were unable to pull out of, the IAC said.

It stopped short of saying the pilots were definitely to blame, noting they had the necessary experience and training, but said their condition and actions were being evaluated.

Flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said in a statement his company was aware of the IAC's initial findings and supported the investigators' work. He said he wanted to get conclusive findings as quickly as possible.

The IAC said it now needed to complete work on deciphering the pilots' final conversations in the hours leading up to the crash before it could wrap up its investigation.

Unnamed sources have told Russian newspapers that an initial read-out of the plane's flight recorders had suggested the two pilots argued about the right course of action to take in the minutes before the crash. - Reuters


Flydubai Russian crash probe points to pilot error

[Roobarb]

From that report, and given that the plane came down a few hundred metres short of the runway, it sounds as if there was an argument in the cockpit about whether to abort or continue with the landing.

Having circled for the best part of two hours and adding the weather into the equation things would have been a bit stressful on the flight deck, but I'd really hope that something as dumb as this wasn't the cause of the crash.

[reddog]

Was watching Russian tv news this morning and they showed the planes flight path.
Was like a Tokyo drifters map around a town.
Also had long distance film of the plane going down,was like a 75 degree dive.