BREAKING: A massive Russian An-22 military transport plane has crashed in the Ivanovo region, northeast of Moscow, with seven people confirmed aboard. Eyewitnesses reported seeing fragments of the aircraft floating in the Uvod Reservoir earlier today. The fate of those on board remains uncertain, but sources indicate that all are presumed dead.
The Soviet-era An-22 was conducting a scheduled test flight following recent repairs when it went down. Emergency services rushed to the scene to assist, but initial reports suggest a catastrophic failure. The aircraft, known to NATO as “Cock,” measures 187 feet long with a wingspan of 210 feet and is capable of carrying payloads of up to 80 tonnes.
Witnesses reported that the plane broke apart upon impact, with debris scattered both in the Uvod Reservoir and on nearby land. “The crew did their best to steer the aircraft away from populated areas until the last moment,” reported Mash news. Fortunately, the plane fell in an uninhabited area, potentially preventing further casualties.
Authorities confirmed that the An-22 was the last operational aircraft of its type in the Russian Armed Forces, despite being scheduled for retirement last year. The Russian Defence Ministry has sent a commission from the Aerospace Forces to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Reports indicate that there were five crew members and two passengers on board the aircraft. The plane, which first flew in 1965, has been a significant part of Russia’s military aviation history, serving for over 51 years.
As emergency crews continue their search and recovery efforts, the cause of the crash remains undetermined. Authorities are expected to provide updates as investigations unfold. This incident raises critical concerns about the safety and future of aging military aircraft within the Russian fleet.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
