Tatarstan Air (Kazan International) could be grounded by Russia after a surprise inspection by the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) uncovered what it termed "significant shortcomings in the airline's organization of operational activities." In its report, which also included a review of Ak Bars Aero (Bugulma), Rosaviatsia said violations were found primarily in the flight operations and personnel departments, and on that basis had recommended the suspension of Tatarstan Air's operating licence. As a direct consequence of the report, CEO Aksan Giniyatullin was fired by the airline's board on December 4. The sudden scrutiny comes after the recent crash at Kazan International of Tatarstan Air's sole B737-500 which claimed the lives of all 50 people on board. Interfax news agency says a preliminary analysis of flight data has suggested that pilot error may have caused the Boeing 737 to make a vertical plunge into the ground after a first attempt at a landing was called off.