https://aviation-safety.net/database/re ... 20161225-0A Tupolev 154B-2 operated by the Russian Air Force was destroyed when it impacted the waters of the Black Sea shortly after takeoff from Adler/Sochi Airport. Wreckage was found at a depth of 50 to 70 metres.
The airplane took off from runway 20 at 05:25 hours local time. During climbout the aircraft made a U-turn back towards the coastline and disappeared off radar screens.
http://www.airfighters.com/photosearch.php?key=RA-85572hammarö wrote:The aircraft has following history
0572 RA-85572 Tu-154B-2 d.1983 223 LO write-off 2016.12.25
It is an Tu-154B-2 produced 1983. ¨
It is used by the air unit 223 LO, normally at Ckalovsky. The air unit have 8 Tu-154B-2 in service.
March 14, 2017 — 11:00 — Update: 12:09
A new report into the crash shows that pilot Roman Volkov put the plane into landing mode just one minute after take-off after reaching an altitude of 250 meters, the Kommersant newspaper reported Tuesday.
Military simulations then show that the Tu-154 flew parallel to the water for a full ten seconds before colliding with the sea.
Experts told Kommersant that the crew could have become disorientated during take-off, which took place under darkness.
Unable to see landmarks or the horizon, Volkov may have decided to rely on his own intuition and experience to pilot the plane, rather than rely on the aircraft’s instruments, the newspaper reported. The reflections of stars in the sea may also have added to the pilot’s disorientation.
The Ministry of Defense is currently investigating Volkov’s medical records, as well as interviewing his former flight instructors, Kommersant reported. It is also investigating whether the crew was properly rested before the flight.
As a member you get access to all our
premium content and benefits learn more