The Federal Air Transport Agency announced personnel changes at the Samara branch of a state aviation organization following a high-risk incident involving two aircraft. The incident involved the Il-76 military cargo aircraft operated by the Russian Ministry of Defense and a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which led to an urgent review of flight safety and air traffic procedures. Several officials and personnel were affected by the disciplinary action, reflecting the agency’s expectation that all levels of the operation uphold strict safety standards in real-time airspace management.
According to the agency, the following positions were affected: the director of Air Navigation for the Central Volga region, the deputy director who also served as head of the regional center for the Unified Air Traffic Management System in Samara, the regional dispatch center, and a controller. In addition, two lead controllers who were directly involved in acknowledging and addressing the proximity risk in the incident were relieved from duty. The agency stated that the decisions were taken to reinforce accountability and ensure ongoing compliance with safety protocols across the board.
In accompanying remarks, the agency noted that it issued new instructions aimed at strengthening flight safety after the event. These measures are intended to minimize the risk of similar incidents, especially during critical phases of flight or when multiple aircraft operate in close proximity within the region. This step underscores the importance of rigorous oversight, continuous training, and clear lines of responsibility for air traffic professionals responsible for maintaining safe separation between aircraft in busy airspace.
The organization also clarified that there were no injuries reported as a result of the dangerous closeness between the two aircraft, and that the aircraft itself did not sustain any damage. This outcome is consistent with the high emphasis placed on controlled airspace and the effectiveness of standard operating procedures during incident responses. Investigations typically focus on human factors, procedural adherence, and equipment readiness to prevent recurrences and to validate safety margins under real-world operating conditions.
Earlier communications indicated that a collision risk between the Il-76 and the Pilatus PC-12 was attributed to human factors linked to the incident, and investigations were conducted to determine precise contributing causes. The incident occurred on a recent date, drawing attention from aviation authorities and industry observers who monitor safety performance in regional hubs and critical corridors. The ongoing assessment aims to provide a transparent understanding of the event while preserving operational resilience and public confidence in civil aviation governance. [Citation: official releases and subsequent risk-management updates from regulatory authorities, with attribution to the relevant agencies involved]