At least foue killed in Russian plane crash
- 11 years ago
At least four people are killed when a Russian airliner crashes onto a highway outside Moscow.
Eight crew members were on board when the plane broke into pieces after it slid off the runway.
Witnesses told state TV they saw a man thrown from the plane as it rammed into the barrier of the highway.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) COLONEL YURI BESEDIN, RUSSIAN EMERGENCIES MINISTRY, SAYING:
"Upon landing an engine failed - or according to other reports, there was a fire in the engine. The plane overshot a runway and was destroyed."
The crash came during peak holiday travel ahead of Russia's New Year's vacation.
Russian investigators say preliminary findings point to pilot error.
The crash cast a spotlight on the country's poor air-safety record despite President Vladimir Putin's calls to improve controls.
The pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer and a flight attendant were killed in the crash. The four other crew members are in a serious condition in the hospital.
Eight crew members were on board when the plane broke into pieces after it slid off the runway.
Witnesses told state TV they saw a man thrown from the plane as it rammed into the barrier of the highway.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) COLONEL YURI BESEDIN, RUSSIAN EMERGENCIES MINISTRY, SAYING:
"Upon landing an engine failed - or according to other reports, there was a fire in the engine. The plane overshot a runway and was destroyed."
The crash came during peak holiday travel ahead of Russia's New Year's vacation.
Russian investigators say preliminary findings point to pilot error.
The crash cast a spotlight on the country's poor air-safety record despite President Vladimir Putin's calls to improve controls.
The pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer and a flight attendant were killed in the crash. The four other crew members are in a serious condition in the hospital.