UTair

UTair Aviation has an operational history marked by several notable safety incidents. On April 2, 2012, UTair Flight 120, an ATR 72, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tyumen, resulting in 33 fatalities out of 43 occupants. The investigation concluded that the primary cause was the aircraft departing without de-icing despite snowy conditions and the crew's awareness of ice accumulation. Another significant incident occurred on September 1, 2018, when UTair Flight 579, a Boeing 737-800, overran the runway upon landing at Sochi and caught fire, injuring 18 occupants. Pilot error, wind shear, and a failure to heed warnings were identified as contributing factors. More recently, a Boeing 737-500 crashed on landing in Usinsk on February 9, 2020, after colliding with a snow parapet. In June 2024, an Antonov AN-26-100 crash-landed near Utrenniy in marginal weather. Additionally, in April 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed restrictions on flights for US-manufactured aircraft by UTair due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which were broadened in June of the same year, potentially impacting their fleet operations.

In terms of regulatory compliance, UTair is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) registered and has consistently passed regular compliance audits for this international standard since 2008. However, UTair Aviation is banned from flying in the European Union.

The airline operates a fleet with a mixed age profile. As per recent data, the average age of its ATR 42/72 aircraft is around 14 years, while Boeing 737s average 28.1 years, Boeing 737 NGs/Max average 17.6 years, and Boeing 767s average 24.1 years. There have been some doubts expressed regarding the maintenance reputation, with one source suggesting it is "doubtful Utair's aircraft are maintained as well as they should be".

Based on the available data, UTair's overall safety assessment is complex. While it holds the internationally recognized IOSA certification, indicating adherence to operational safety standards, its record includes several fatal and significant incidents. The European Union's ban on the airline, alongside concerns about maintenance and the operational impact of U.S. sanctions, are critical safety considerations. No specific safety awards or recognitions were found in the research.