(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons )

 

BY SAMANTHA KUBOTA

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

The search for a missing Russian airplane in Indonesia was impeded after bad weather and darkness prevented aerial searches. There have been varying reports of how many people were aboard the plane - presumed to have crashed - but most reports vary between 44 and 50 people. CNN has more ...

“It was only supposed to be in the air for thirty minutes but 21 minutes into the flight it dropped off radar and lost radio contact.”

The plane being tested was the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The LA Times reports the pilot had requested to descend from 10 thousand feet to 6 thousand but dropped off the radar at 6,200 feet. Rescue helicopters went out to look for the plane after it went missing but had to turn back to Jakarta because of bad weather.

“The Indonesian national search and rescue agency then sent soldiers and rescue workers in vehicles to approach the suspected crash site around Salak mountain, rescue agency spokesman … told reporters in Jakarta.”

But still no sign of the plane.  Fox News explains  hijacking wasn’t likely.

 

“There are also reports coming out of russia that it could have been hijacked, but there is nothing so far to substantiate that claim.”

The plane had been in the air as a demonstration flight. According to the BBC , those aboard were mostly potential investors and some journalists...

“Most of those aboard are believed to be Indonesian airline representatives but it has been confirmed that there are also eight Russians, including pilots and technicians, and a French citizen. “

If the plane did malfunction, it could mean bad news for the Russian aviation industry.  The New York Times outlines the history of aviation in Russia as having a troubled past.

 

“Much of Russia’s hopes of reviving its commercial aerospace industry are staked on this new model of aircraft. Though it has a storied history of technical accomplishments, the industry has been plagued by safety problems, breakdowns and lethal crashes.”

The plane that went down Wednesday was supposed to change that. In addition to solving some of Russia’s in-house problems, the country had staked some of it’s international hopes on the SuperJet as well. Here’s RT.

“It was really hoped to be a modern revamp of the Russian Aircraft industry, this jet was a modern version that they were trying to market to many international markets.”