The Rosaviation Commission has concluded a fresh review of the aviation incident involving a Ural Airlines aircraft that executed an emergency landing in a wheat field in the Novosibirsk region in September 2023. This update follows the commission’s official publication detailing its findings and conclusions. (Attribution: Rosaviation Commission report)
The official document explains that the forced touchdown in the field occurred because of multiple mistakes and oversights by the flight crew, which resulted in a fuel shortage while the aircraft was en route to an alternate airport. The report points to gaps in ensuring flight safety, organizing flight operations, and the professional training of the airline’s flight personnel as key factors that left pilots ill-prepared to handle the challenging scenario. (Attribution: Rosaviation Commission report)
Based on the investigation, the commission recommended that the air carrier carefully assess the appropriateness of those occupying positions related to flight safety. The focus is on two deputy general directors at Ural Airlines: flight director Sergei Glazkov and quality director Alexei Fomin, who have long tenures with the carrier—31 and 24 years respectively. (Attribution: Rosaviation Commission report)
According to the airline’s press office, the board of directors will decide on the suitability of these executives for their roles following the commission’s recommendations. (Attribution: Rosaviation Commission report)
On September 12, 2023, Ural Airlines’ Airbus A320 touched down in a field in the Ubinsky district of the Novosibirsk region. The incident involved 161 people on board, including 23 children. Passengers later commended the crew for their professional handling of the emergency, while the airline publicly supported the crew’s actions. (Attribution: Rosaviation Commission report)
Earlier disclosures clarified the sequence of events that led to the pilots’ decision to land on land rather than at a traditional airport, highlighting the complex pressures and evolving factors that occurred in real time. The re-investigation underscores the ongoing emphasis on safety culture, rigorous training, and robust operational oversight within Ural Airlines and the broader aviation sector. (Attribution: Rosaviation Commission report)