April 10th marks the sombre anniversary of the Smolensk disaster, a tragedy that unfolded 14 years ago claiming the lives of 96 individuals aboard the Polish Air Force Tu-154M aircraft. Among the victims were Poland’s President Lech Kaczyński, his wife Maria, and 94 other prominent figures, who were en route to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre.
The crash, which occurred near Smolensk, Russia, shook the nation to its core. In the aftermath, questions loomed large about the circumstances leading to the catastrophe. Two years ago, on April 11, 2022, Antoni Macierewicz, the head of the Subcommittee for Reinvestigation of the Aircraft Accident, unveiled the comprehensive Smolensk Report.
The Smolensk Report
This report delved into a multitude of facets surrounding the tragedy. It scrutinized the crew’s background, details about the passengers, the technical specifications of the aircraft, and the meticulous preparations undertaken for the ill-fated journey. Additionally, it examined the aircraft’s flight history and the accounts of witnesses who observed the events leading up to the crash.
Furthermore, the Smolensk Report dedicated a significant portion to the analyses, tests, and simulations conducted by the subcommittee. These efforts aimed to ascertain the root cause of the disaster, utilizing a combination of technical expertise and empirical data.
The exhaustive document spanned thousands of pages, encompassing not only technical inquiries but also legal considerations and visual documentation. As Poland reflects on this solemn anniversary, the Smolensk Report stands as a testament to the unwavering pursuit of truth and justice in the wake of tragedy.
Read the whole report here.