Indonesia Issues Safety Recommendations on Sukhoi Jet
The pilots of Superjet MSN 95004 asked for permission to descend to 6,000 feet from 10,000 feet before the airplane crashed into a mountainside.

Even though its investigation is ongoing, the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) issued five safety recommendations on June 26, relating to the May 9 crash this year of a Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional airliner on a demonstration flight from Jakarta. All 45 people aboard were killed when the aircraft slammed into the side of a hill near Mt. Salak shortly after takeoff.

The NTSC wants the Indonesian Directorate of Civil Aviation to ensure that the crews of future demonstration flights conducted during IFR conditions pay strict attention to published minimum altitudes. The committee also wants a copy of the complete crew and passenger manifest available in the Operation Service office prior to takeoff.

The NTSC publicized a number of recommendations specifically aimed at the Sukhoi Aircraft Company as well. The committee wants assurances that pilots will review current procedures for the preparation and conduct of a demonstration flight and to arrange for additional crew training for these trips, especially when they're conducted in mountainous territory.