Fatal Crash of Russian An-22 Military Transport Aircraft

On December 9, 2025, a Russian Antonov An-22 military transport aircraft crashed during a test flight in the Ivanovo region, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) northeast of Moscow. The aircraft went down near the village of Ivankovo, resulting in the deaths of all seven crew members on board, as confirmed by the Russian Investigative Committee and the Ministry of Defense.

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The An-22, the world's largest turboprop aircraft, was conducting a post-maintenance test flight when the incident occurred. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the aircraft had recently undergone repairs. Reports indicate that the plane crashed in a remote area, with parts of it found in the nearby Uvodskoye Reservoir. A search and rescue team was dispatched to the site, and a commission from the Russian Air Force has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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The Investigative Committee has opened an inquiry into the accident, focusing on the flight preparation protocols. Initial assessments suggest that a technical malfunction may have contributed to the crash, as the An-22 model had been in service for over 50 years. The Kommersant business daily reported that accidents involving military transport aircraft in Russia have become more frequent, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has increased military operations and equipment usage.

Russia says no survivors in military cargo plane crash during test flight

The crash has raised concerns regarding the safety and operational readiness of aging military aircraft within the Russian fleet. Critics point to the reliance on outdated Soviet-era technology, particularly as the Kremlin has faced equipment shortages exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. The An-22, originally developed in the 1960s, has been noted for its limited operational availability, with only three of the 68 models built still believed to be functional.

Daily Beast

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the crash, stating, "Today in the Ivanovo region, during a test flight following repairs, an An-22 military transport aircraft crashed." The Investigative Committee reiterated that "all crew members onboard were killed," without specifying the number of individuals on the flight initially.

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• “Today in the Ivanovo region, during a test flight following repairs, an An-22 military transport aircraft crashed,” — Russian Ministry of Defense

Russian An-22 military transport aircraft crashes near Ivanovo with seven onboard

• “All crew members onboard were killed.” — Russian Investigative Committee

Moscow Times

As the investigation unfolds, further details regarding the crash and the safety protocols of military aviation operations in Russia are expected to emerge. Authorities have emphasized the importance of ensuring safety in military aviation, particularly in light of recent incidents involving military aircraft.

Russian military cargo plane crashes near Moscow