May 3 marks 5th anniversary of Armavia A-320 plane crash

PanARMENIAN.Net - May 3 marks the fifth anniversary of Armavia A-320 plane crash. The crew of the Armavia Airbus A320 that crashed into the Black Sea close to Sochi in southern Russia was attempting to make its second approach to the airport in poor weather conditions. All 105 passengers and eight crew members were killed.

The crew of flight U8 967, operating from Yerevan (Armenia) to Sochi (Russia), had planned to divert to the Georgian capital Tbilisi as weather reported for the destination was below minima, but information about improved conditions led them to change their minds and attempt a landing.

Air traffic control lost contact with the aircraft while it was maneuvering to position for the second approach. The plane hit the surface of the Black Sea about 6km offshore, and there had been no emergency call from the crew.

Investigation of the Interstate Aviation Committee showed that the crashed aircraft was in working order.