Polish President Lech Kaczynski and scores of others are believed to have been killed in a plane crash in Russia.

An absolute tragedy for all the people of Poland.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8612825.stm

I think it might be fitting to have a little moment of silence for the victims of this plane crash. Whether you're Polish, or are against the politics of Poland, remember that aviation is not about race, or colour, gender, or nationality, it's about desire, passion and attitude. My personal condolences to the families of the two pilots, and to any others that are mourning the loss of the pilots, airplane, or others on board. Fly safely.

Around 320 of the M model has been produced. There have been 37 hull losses across all Tu-154 versions (such as the B and B2). This would bring it up to 37 losses over what I think was a production run of a little over 1000. I need to look up the exact production run numbers though, and it depends on if you consider non-airline prototypes.
I've already seen numerous other sources rip on Russian aviation already, so that was a preemptive comment. In actuality, the accident statics aren't all that different from Western types. People just seem to enjoy the Russian plane = bad mindset that has hasn't died off yet since the Soviet Union collapsed.

You're right though, this looks like it was pilot error, since the tower was trying to insist on a different destination.
I may be wrong, but I believe Smolensk airport lacks an ILS system (not sure if they have that precision military system, can't remember what it is called. Ivan might know.).

Looks like it was just a case of a series of poor decisions that resulted in an unfortunate tragedy.
It will be interesting to see the actions of the Polish government following this mess.
 

This was the plane. (This shot was actually just taken weeks ago)
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Poland---Air/Tupolev-Tu-154M/1677657/L/

This website has the weather reports and map of the crash area.
http://avherald.com/h?article=429ec5fa


May our thoughts and prayers be with the country of Poland after this horrendous event.

How terrible, must be a great shock to the people. 
I only hope the country can manage with the loss of so many senior figures.

Someone said that they couldn't believe the pilots would try such a dangerous act because of who was on board. I think that's the exact reason why they tried to make it into an airport that obviously wasn't accessible by means of a safe way. If they couldn't make it in there, the people on board could have question the pilots ability. Pretty much the whole "if you're not willing to do it, than we'll go find someone else" mentality. I'm not saying that's the case, but I know they were given an opportunity to shine in front of their country's leader, and it clearly didn't pay off.

OVERLORD_CHRIS wrote on Apr 10^th, 2010 at 5:47pm:



Although not in this case, statistically speaking the first few months following a major overhaul is the most dangerous time in an aircraft's life. It is this time that the bolt that was not torqued properly or forgotten about or only finger tight that comes off or incorrect installation of a vital part that was overlooked due to human factors is missed and then turns into a tragic accident. Fortunately 99% of problems that are aircraft threatening are found on the ground and then (this will make the sphincter twitch) on the whole, are found by accident

As for putting passengers in danger, we are applying western standards and mind set to a country that has different views of the value of life and national pride (Russian pilots, Polish President).

And remember it is business that runs a country not the government. They are in place to tax you, send your armed forces to war and tell you how you should live. If this was any other western country it would not be a biggy though, but a former Eastern Block country with plenty of political sickles to grind..........

Matt

I am curious where you got the info that the President dismissed flight crews in the past.  Got a link?

I have heard another theory put forward.
Fair warning to all, I am I simply repeating, and this refelcts no attempt to start a political debate.

The Poles and The Russians, specifically, Putin, do not get along all that well. There is a checkered past. The theory suggests that that the ground telling the pilots to land somewhere else was interpreted by the late President as an attempt to delay him, maybe even cause him to miss the ceremony that was marking a painful and embarrassing part of Russian history. In short, he did not trust them, and he insisted that they land there.

Again, theory, not mine. If you disagree, fine, but keep it on the level.