Human error behind Russia's SSJ-100 May crash in Indonesia

MOSCOW, Sep 19 (PRIME) — Human error caused the Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100) crash in Indonesia in May, the aircraft itself was in working order, a source from the investigators told RIA Novosti Wednesday.

"Human error was declared as the reason for the SSJ-100 crash in Indonesia. The aircraft was fully functional, we have no complaints against it. The corresponding protocol was signed today in Indonesia," the source said, adding that the document was signed by officials from Russia and Indonesia.

The two countries are yet to agree the decision with several bodies.

"The official reasons of the crash are to be announced in late October," the source added.

Another source familiar with the investigation told PRIME that the protocol signed between the two states only means they agreed on the principle arguments, but it is still too early to draw any conclusions on the reason of the crash.

The third source added that the report is to be completed within two weeks; then, Indonesia is to send it for approval to the local bodies.

Later on Wednesday, the Industry and Trade Ministry confirmed in a statement that the protocol was signed. According to the ministry's data, the reasons of the crash are to be announced in late October.

The Russian delegation arrived in Indonesia on September 12.

On May 9, a SSJ-100 crashed into Mount Salak in West Java during a demonstration flight with 45 people onboard. It was transporting Indonesian businessmen, Russian embassy officials, and reporters.

The twin-engine SSJ-100 is Russia's first all-new passenger jet since the collapse of the Soviet Union, capable of carrying up to 100 passengers. It was developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft with the help of technology from Boeing and Italy's Finmeccanica, as well as avionics and engine equipment from French aerospace firms Thales and Safran.

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