The Russian aviation authority has imposed a ban on the Tupolev Tu-154B jetliner rendering it unworthy to continue revenue services.

This decision was made following the catastrophe of the Tu-154B-2 operated by Kogalymavia airline on January 01, 2011. The airplane was about to fly a revenue passenger service from Surgut but caught fire and burnt down completely. Three passengers were killed and 43 wounded in the incident.

The Russian aviation authorities formed special commission to look into the causes of the fire. The commission has submitted its preliminary findings, saying that neither engines nor APU caused the fire. The investigators continue to assess how good Kogalymavia airline observed air safety rules and whether human factor could be traced in the January 01 incident.

Besides, the aviation authorities investigated technical condition of the Tu-154 fleet with focus on maintenance records, assessment of technical condition of the airframes and onboard equipment.

The authorities have issued six directives to be implemented by the operators in order to improve the current situation with the Tu-154B airplanes. Besides, the authorities has recommended the airlines to stop using their Tu-154B aircraft until all measures prescribed in the directives have been made.

According to the authorities, 14 Tu-154B aircraft has been grounded by their operators. These include eight airframes belonging to the State Airline “the 223rd Flight Department”, two owned by the Orenburg Airlines, and one operated by Aerorent. KavMinVody Avia, Kogalymavia and the Ulianovsk high flying school have each grounded one airplane of the given type.