Moscow, June 19 - An Azimuth Airlines Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B, registered as RA-89120, on June 15, 2025, experienced a significant mechanical failure shortly after departing Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport. The aircraft, operating as flight A4-7053 and bound for Batumi, Georgia, lost the cowling of its right engine during the climb phase, prompting the crew to initiate an immediate return to the departure airport. This incident, which exposed critical engine components mid-flight, has raised fresh concerns about the safety and maintenance of the Russian-built regional jet.
A Passenger captured the PDA (Parts Departing Aircraft) incident of Azimuth Airlines.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) June 18, 2025
An Azimuth Airlines Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B (Regd. RA-89120) lost its right engine cowling after takeoff from Moscow's Vnukovo Airport (VKO) on flight A4-7053 to Batumi (BUS) on June 15, 2025.… pic.twitter.com/9MMPlmY6ax
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The flight had just taken off when the right engine cowling detached, an event that could have led to catastrophic consequences if not handled swiftly. Air traffic control at Vnukovo Airport promptly informed the crew of the issue, and fragments of the cowling were later discovered on the runway, confirming the severity of the structural failure. The pilots, demonstrating composure under pressure, elected to circle south of the airport to burn off excess fuel, a standard procedure to reduce the aircraft’s weight and ensure a safer landing. Approximately one hour after takeoff, the Sukhoi Superjet touched down safely at Vnukovo, with emergency services on standby as the airport declared a “Blue” alert code, indicating a potential hazard.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100, designed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, is a short-haul narrow-body jet intended to compete with Western regional aircraft like the Embraer E-Jets and Bombardier CRJ series. Despite its ambitions, the model has faced scrutiny over its reliability and safety record. This incident marks another challenge for the aircraft, which has been plagued by technical issues and limited international adoption. The Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, classified the event as an aviation incident, and a commission from the Central Interregional Territorial Administration has been tasked with investigating the cause. Preliminary reports suggest the focus will be on maintenance procedures and potential manufacturing defects in the engine cowling assembly.
Azimuth Airlines, a regional carrier based in Rostov-on-Don, operates a fleet primarily composed of Sukhoi Superjets. The aircraft involved, built in 2018, is relatively modern, which intensifies questions about quality control and oversight. The investigation will likely examine whether the cowling’s failure resulted from improper maintenance, material fatigue, or design flaws. This event follows a broader trend of challenges for Russia’s aviation industry, which has faced difficulties in sourcing spare parts and maintaining aircraft due to international sanctions. The safe return of flight A4-7053 is a testament to the crew’s professionalism and the robustness of emergency protocols. However, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about the Sukhoi Superjet’s operational reliability. As the investigation unfolds, the findings could have significant implications for Azimuth Airlines, the Superjet program, and Russia’s broader aerospace ambitions.