Russian Airliner Crash caught on Film

A Russian Tupolev TU-204 overshot its runway & crashed into an embankment on the edge of a freeway. Dramatic video footage captured the moment of impact with the freeway as debris was hurled at cars.

Four crew members onboard the aircraft were killed. These were the two pilots, flight engineer & an air hostess. There were no passengers on board at the time. For more details & photos on the accident:

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/29/moscow-plane-crash-fire_n_2380400.html#slide=more272173

What is the TU-204?
Very few Russian planes ever make it down-under, so notwithstanding the human tragedy, I was naturally curious to know more about the plane. At first I assumed it to be some old Soviet-era rust bucket. I was quite surprised.

From the www.planes.cz picture above, the aircraft appears to be copied off the A321 / B757. A comparison of the aircraft is here:  Compare: TU-204 Vs A321. 

Here's some more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-204

And here's an interesting in-flight video of a Red Wings TU-204, showing a better day at the office for the flight crew: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNvrHkvYtQA&noredirect=1

One obvious difference to the A321 is the double bogey main gear. However, Airbus themselves have played with the double bogey concept. Check this out: http://www.airliners.net/photo/1543738/M/

It is believed that the double bogey gear provided better braking, weight displacement & traction on sub-standard or snow covered runways; typical of those used by the Russian jets. Unfortunately, it doesn't seemed to have helped it in this accident.

Our thoughts & prayers are with those of the crew & their families.