Russian military plane crash kills 29 in Crimea

A Russian military transport aircraft has crashed in Crimea, killing all 29 people on board, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

The An-26 aircraft lost communication at around 6:00 pm local time on Tuesday during a planned flight over the region. Search teams later located the wreckage after the plane reportedly crashed into a cliff in the mountainous area near the Black Sea coast.

Officials confirmed that the victims included six crew members and 23 passengers. No survivors were reported. Preliminary findings suggest that the crash was likely caused by a technical malfunction, although a full investigation is underway.

Russian Military Transport Plane Crash Kills 29 People in Crimea

Authorities stated there was no external impact on the aircraft, ruling out possibilities such as missile strikes, drone interference, or bird collisions. A military commission has been dispatched to the crash site to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The Antonov An-26 is a light tactical transport plane that has been in service since the late 1960s. It has been widely used for both military and civilian purposes, capable of carrying cargo and up to 40 passengers over short to medium distances.

The crash adds to a series of incidents involving the aircraft model in recent years. Previous accidents have occurred in countries including Ukraine, South Sudan, and Ivory Coast, raising concerns about the aging fleet.

Crimea, where the crash occurred, was annexed by Russia in 2014 and remains a region of geopolitical sensitivity.Investigators are continuing their work to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the tragedy.