An-148 crash in Russia.

Preliminary Crash investigation results reveal that the An-148 began to break up while exceeding safe airspeeds in a dive. Incorrect readings from airspeed indicators may be to blame.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/03/09/354143/crashed-an-148-broke-up-after-being-pushed-beyond-limits.html

Sandy, you’re not kidding. We shall have to wait for the report as anything could have happened, particularly on a test flight. RIP to the unfortunate crew.

Over on A.net, the pilots have already been tried and convicted.

Not good at all. Speculation is easy I know. It would be interesting to see wether the aircraft was subjected a type of manoeuvre outside of the aircrafts flight envelope, by an inexperienced crew. But then again, with Antonov crew members onboard, I would think that unlikely. I’m sure we’ll hear eventually, but then again with military involved, maybe we won’t.

It’s looking more and more like the plane broke up in-flight! A large section of the wing was found several kilometers from the main crash site.

http://avherald.com/h?article=438db1d5&opt=1

Apart from the usual single engine jet fighters, the only multi jet plane they have is a C.550 Citation. If you imagine that this plane would be for VIP’s only, it is unlikely that many air force pilots would have multi engine experience.

Burmese AF – I’d be curious to know the professional background, flight experience, types flown, etc, of the pilots involved?

Reports of an in-flight breakup with foreign pilots at the controls.

http://avherald.com/h?article=438db1d5&opt=1

Condolences to the crew and their families.:(

I guess that any kind of test flying carries somewhat more risk than daily airline operations. However, I hope that the cause is isolated asap. I think that the An148 has a bright future. This they don’t need. It would be interesting to know wether the Myanmar crew were flying it at the time.