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Smolensk air disaster

Coordinates: 54°49′31.19″N 032°3′10.28″E / 54.8253306°N 32.0528556°E / 54.8253306; 32.0528556
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Tupolev Tu-154 at Zagreb Airport, during President Kaczyński's visit to Croatia in 2010
Accident
DateApril 10, 2010[1]
SummaryUnder investigation[1]
Site300m short of runway at Smolensk-North Airport[2]
54°49′31.19″N 032°3′10.28″E / 54.8253306°N 32.0528556°E / 54.8253306; 32.0528556
Aircraft
Aircraft typeTupolev Tu-154
OperatorPolish Air Force
Registration101
Flight originFrédéric Chopin Airport,
Warsaw, Poland
DestinationSmolensk-North Airport
Smolensk, Russia
Passengers88
Crew8
Fatalities96 (all)[3]
Injuries0
Survivors0

On 10 April 2010, a Tupolev Tu-154M of the Polish 36th Special Aviation Regiment carrying the President of Poland Lech Kaczyński, members of the Polish government and the country's legislative branch, commanders of the Polish Armed Forces as well as other Polish dignitaries, crashed next to Smolensk-North Airport, just outside of Smolensk near Pechyorsk, Smolensk Oblast, Russia, killing all aboard. They were on their way to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.[4]

According to the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: "Takiego dramatu współczesny świat nie widział" (translation: "Such tragedy has not been seen in the present-day world")[5]

As of several hours after the crash took place, many details about the cause of the crash are still unknown. It is reported by news agencies that the Tu-154 struck trees just 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) from the airport and smashed into pieces across the floor of the wooded area. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the pilot had already attempted to land three times, each without success.

In the past several hours it has been confirmed that there were 96 passengers on board the jet, and Polish and Russian authorities confirmed that all perished in the accident.

There is not yet a confirmed reason for the crash, although the bad weather (fog) in the area is considered to be a major factor.

Accident

The plane carrying the Polish President Lech Kaczyński a Tupolev Tu-154M,[6] crashed at 10:56MSD, (06:56 UTC, 08:56 Warsaw time),[7] near Smolensk, Russia. President Kaczyński was due to visit Smolensk to mark the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.[7] The organizers of the commemorations chose the Soviet-made Tupolev aircraft as a mark of good will towards their Russian hosts.[8] The flight had departed from Warsaw's Frédéric Chopin Airport and was bound for Smolensk Airport.[9] The aircraft was carrying 88 passengers and 8 crew, according to the latest reports by Polish officials (Russian Internet portals report that 130 people were killed). 89th passenger, presidential aide Zofia Kruszyńska-Gust, felt sick just before the trip and did not board the plane.[10]

The crash occurred in foggy conditions (500 m visibility) about 1.5 km from the airport, about 300–400 metres off the landing path,[11] after the pilots attempted a go-around.[12] The airport was closed because of thick fog and the pilot was adviced by flight control to land in Moscow or Minsk, however he decided to continue with the original flight plan and the crash occurred on the fourth approach after three failed attempts.[13][14] The cause of the crash was initially attributed to crew error and investigators and criminal law experts were dispatched to the crash site.[15][16][17] In 2008, the pilot of Kaczyński's plane was threatened with dismissal when he refused to land the aircraft in Tbilisi during the South Ossetian war.[18]

The Governor of Smolensk Oblast, Sergey Antufiyev, confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash. The plane, which was reported to have been flying at a very low altitude, clipped trees and crashed into the ground.[7] Russian state television reported that the Tu-154M jet crashed about a kilometre short of the runway on its fourth attempt to land in heavy fog at the Smolensk-Severnyi military airport, shortly before 11 a.m. Moscow time. Pictures from the scene showed parts of the airplane charred and strewn through a wooded area. Some pieces, including one of the wheel wells, were upside-down.[7]

Russian and Polish officials said 96 people were aboard, including the president and his wife, as well as other top officials, though Russian officials and media gave varying figures for the number of dead.[19]

Notable passengers

According to the flight manifest on-board were:[20][21]

Pictue Name former position
Lech Kaczyński President of Poland
Maria Kaczyńska First Lady of Poland
Krystyna Bochenek Deputy Speaker of the Senat
Bishop Mirosław Chodakowski Orthodox Ordinary of the Polish Army
File:Grzegorz Dolniak.jpg Grzegorz Dolniak member of the Sejm
Janina Fetlińska member of the Senat
General Franciszek Gągor Chief of the Polish Army General Staff
Grażyna Gęsicka member of the Sejm
Przemysław Gosiewski member of the Sejm
Mariusz Handzlik Undersecretary of State in the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland
File:Izabela Jaruga-Nowacka.jpg Izabela Jaruga-Nowacka member of the Sejm
File:Sebastian Karpiniuk.jpg Sebastian Karpiniuk member of the Sejm
Vice Admiral Andrzej Karweta Commander-in-chief of the Polish Navy
Janusz Kochanowski Polish Ombudsman
Andrzej Kremer Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Janusz Kurtyka Historian and president of the Institute of National Remembrance
Tomasz Merta Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
File:Aleksandra Natalli-Świat.jpg Aleksandra Natalli-Świat member of the Sejm
Piotr Nurowski President of the Polish Olympic Committee
Maciej Płażyński President of the Polish Community Association
Tadeusz Płoski bishop of the Military Ordinariate of the Polish Army
Krzysztof Putra Deputy Speaker of the Sejm
Andrzej Przewoźnik Secretary-General of the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites
Ryszard Rumianek Rector of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University
File:Arkadiusz Rybicki.jpg Arkadiusz Rybicki member of the Sejm
Sławomir Skrzypek President of the National Bank of Poland
Władysław Stasiak Chief of the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland
Aleksander Szczygło head of the National Security Bureau
Jerzy Szmajdziński Deputy Speaker of the Sejm
File:Jolanta Szymanek-Deresz.jpg Jolanta Szymanek-Deresz member of the Sejm
Anna Walentynowicz free trade union activist, member of Solidarity
File:Zbigniew Wassermann.jpg Zbigniew Wassermann member of the Sejm
File:Wiesław Woda.jpg Wiesław Woda member of the Sejm
Edward Wojtas member of the Sejm
Paweł Wypych Secretary of State in the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland
Stanisław Zając member of the Senat

Investigation

Within hours after the crash the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, announced the establishment of a special commission for the investigation of the plane crash. The commission will be supervised by the Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin.[22][23][24] An Investigation Committee of the Prosecutor General of Russia started a criminal case in accordance with a "violation of safety rules" of the Russian Criminal Code.[25]

Original theories

At first, suspicions were aimed at dense fog around the airport. But around an hour later, the crash was thought to be the result of pilot error. However, it must be noted these are only theories and the investigation into the crash has yet to come up with any conclusive findings.

Several hours after theories about the weather and pilot error were floated around, the BBC reported that questions about the 20-year-old aeroplane were being raised. They reported that 'in late 2008 Mr Kaczynski had suffered a couple of scares. Problems with the aircraft's steering mechanism delayed his departure from Mongolia, forcing him to take a charter flight to Tokyo, and a week later the plane was caught up in turbulence flying to Seoul.'

'However, the aircraft had recently undergone a major overhaul and Aleksey Gusev, the head of the maintenance plant that carried out the work, told Polish TV that it should not have had technical problems.' an article on the state-funded British media giant's website read. [26]

Official investigation

At around 11:53 UTC on the day of the crash, Russians confirmed finding the first "black box" flight recorder.[citation needed]

Political aftermath

According to the Polish Constitution, in the case of the President's death, his duties will be taken on by the Marshal of the Sejm — currently Bronisław Komorowski, who thus becomes the Acting President of Poland.[27]

Former president Aleksander Kwaśniewski told TVN24 that “It is a cursed place. It sends shivers down my spine. First the flower of the Second Polish Republic is murdered in the forests around Smolensk, now the intellectual elite of the Third Polish Republic die in this tragic plane crash when approaching Smolensk airport.” [28]

International response

Countries

State Response
 Afghanistan Afghan president expressed condolence over death of Polish president. [29]
 Albania Albanian President Bamir Topi expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of President Kaczyński. [30] Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha, Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli and oposition leader Edi Rama also sent their condolences to the Polish People.
 Bulgaria Prime Minister Boyko Borisov noted that his country was mourning along with Poland.[31]
 Czech Republic President Václav Klaus expressed his condolences and said that he lost a true friend (Lech Kaczyński). Klaus said that "Czechs are in shock and sadened about this tragedy. [32]
 Denmark Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed his condolences: "It is with sadness that I have received notification that a large number of people have lost their lives in the tragic plane crash. My thoughts go out to the bereaved and to the entire Polish people". [33]. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lene Espersen has also condolences to his Polish colleague. "President Kaczynski will be remembered as a significant and respected politician, both as a participant in the Polish struggle for freedom against communism and served as president of the Polish people", she said. [34]
 Estonia President Toomas Hendrik Ilves expressed his condolences: "News of the tragic loss of the Polish Head of State and one of Estonia’s closest friends brings emptiness to my heart and at the same time brings back fond memories of our friendship. I recall our phone calls in April 2007, when president Kaczyński supported Estonia during those difficult days, or August 2008 when we flew together to Tbilisi to support the democratically elected government of Georgia and to condemn the aggression towards that country." [35]
 Finland President Tarja Halonen extended her deep condolences on behalf of the people of Finland and on her own behalf to the families of the victims and the people of Poland. [36]
 France President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Kaczyński in a statement: "a man driven by ardent patriotism, who dedicated his life to his country."[37]
 Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel called Donald Tusk to express her regret.[38] Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle stated: "Kaczyński was a bright and energetic dialogue partner. We grieve with the Polish people. We are losing a character Europe could build upon."[39] According to a journalist, Westerwelle was so moved by the disaster that he had to interrupt his speech to the press on the deaths for a short time.[39]
 Greece Prime minister George Papandreou expressed to the prime minister of Poland via telegram "In these difficult times, the Greek government, and personally me would like to express our condolence to the all the families of those who we lost, and to the nation of Poland as well. We share your bereavement. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you" .[40]
 Hungary President László Sólyom offered condolences at the Polish embassy in Budapest.[41]
 Iceland President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson sent, on behalf of the icelandic people his deepest sympathies: "At this time of sorrow our thoughts are with the families and relatives of those who died as with all Poles, especially those who have shared their resources with the people of Iceland for many years".[42]
 Ireland President Mary McAleese extended her "heartfelt sympathy and that of the Irish people".[43]
 Israel President Shimon Peres sent a letter of condolence to the Polish people saying that "Israel is shocked by the grave disaster and bemoans the loss along with the Polish people and the entire world. The announcement that the Polish President, his wife, and dozens of top Polish officials died in the crash struck us with pain, shock and disbelief, Israel bows its head in sorrow and shares in your loss and grief." [44] Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman extended condolences and said that Kaczyński was a true friend of Israel.[45]
 Lithuania Lithuania is preparing for official day of mourning for the death of the President of Poland.[46]
 North Macedonia President Ivanov sent a telegram with deepest condolences and states that this tragedy is a big loss for both the Macedonian and Polish people.[47]
 Netherlands Demissionary Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende was shocked and horrified and said it was "a black day for Poland".[48]
 Norway Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said his thoughts go to the Polish people and to those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. Norway and Poland have close cooperative ties in Nato and in the EU through EEA.[49]
 Romania The Romanian President, Traian Băsescu, stated that he had "received the news of the tragedy with profound sadness [...]". He also added that "in this moment of deep pain, the Romanian people [...] joins the Polish nation in mourning"[50]

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it "expresses its deep regret about the aviation disaster in which President Lech Kaczynski lost his life, together with other Polish public figures. In this tragic moment, we convey our condolences and solidarity with the bereaved families and the entire Polish people."[51]

 Russia President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin expressed their condolences to their respective Polish counterparts.[52] Chairman of International Committee of the State Duma Konstantin Kosachev said that "Katyn claimed yet more victims". Chairman of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov has expressed condolences.[53]
 Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep grief and shock over the tragic death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife. The President in a message to the Polish government and the Polish people said he was shocked to know about the crash of President Kaczynski’s plane, while landing in the western Russian city of Smolensk. The President expressed his grief over the death of President’s wife and others who lost their lives in the crash.[54]
 Slovenia President Danilo Türk was deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Polish President Lech Kaczyński's death in plane crash.[55] Prime Minister Borut Pahor has expressed his condolences to Poland at the death of their President.[56]
 Serbia Serbian President Boris Tadić expressed his deepest condolences in the name of the Serbian people saying that "The tragedy that occurred, in which President Lech Kaczyński and other state officials lost their lives, has effected us deeply" adding that Kaczyński was a true friend of Serbia and that he would never be forgotten.[57] Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković and President of the National Assembly Slavica Đukić Dejanović also expressed their condolences.[58]
 Spain Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero expressed in a telegram his condolences and described the death of the Polish president as an irreparable loss.[59]
 Sweden Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt expressed his condolences in an official statement.[60]
 Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych expressed his condolences.[61]
 United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the "whole world would be saddened" by the death of Kaczyński.[62]
 United States President Barack Obama called the death of Kaczynski and other senior government officials 'devastating' in a statement released by the White House.[63]. Philip Crowley, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. State Department Public Affairs office called the crash a horrible tragedy for Poland and extended his deepest condolences on behalf of the United States.[64]
 Vatican City In a telegram sent by the Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to Bronisław Komorowski Acting President of the Republic of Poland the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI expressed his sadness and solidarity with the Polish people.[65]

International organisations

Organisation Response
 European Union Jerzy Buzek, the President of the European Parliament, expressed his condolences.

José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission said "I express my deep condolences to Poland for the passing away of President Kaczyński, his wife and all those with them under such tragic circumstances on their way to mark the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Katyn massacres. I have worked very closely with President Kaczyński, in a spirit of loyalty, and I respected in him a very determined Polish patriot who at the same time was very committed to our European Union and to the values of freedom and solidarity. The European Commission joins me in this moment in the expression of sympathy and tribute." [66]

 NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen extended his condolences.[67]
 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was shocked and extended his deep and heartfelt condolences to the people of Poland and the families of those who perished. Ban said President Kaczyński had served his country and people with distinction and conviction. He called the fact that he was en route to an event marking a new level of reconciliation between Poland and Russia particularly poignant.[68]

References

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  46. ^ (Delfi)
  47. ^ (MIA)
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  56. ^ "PM Expresses Condolences at Polish President's Death". STA.si. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  57. ^ Serbia sends condolences to Poland
  58. ^ Poginuo predsednik Poljske
  59. ^ "Consternación internacional por la muerte de Lech Kaczynski". El País. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  60. ^ Statement published at Government's Homepage April 10, 2010
  61. ^ "The world reacts to Polish president's death in a plane crash in Russia". 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  62. ^ "'World saddened' by Kaczynski death says Gordon Brown". BBC News. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  63. ^ "President Obama says the loss of Polish President Kaczynski is 'devastating'". BNO News. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  64. ^ "Polish president and first lady among at least 96 dead in presidential plane crash in Russia". BNO News. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  65. ^ "'Vatican website'".
  66. ^ = Statement by the President of the European Commission http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/413&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en = Statement by the President of the European Commission. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  67. ^ "Leaders express sorrow at Polish president's death". 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  68. ^ "U.N. Secretary-General Ban shocked by the death of Polish President Kaczynski". BNO News. 10 April 2010. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
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