All Crew Members Killed in Russian Military Plane Crash During Test Flight Near Moscow
Russian authorities confirmed on Tuesday that there were no survivors after a military transport aircraft crashed during a test flight east of Moscow. The incident occurred near the village of Ivankovo in the Ivanovo region, and state media reported that seven crew members were on board at the time of the crash. The tragedy has prompted a full investigation into potential violations of flight preparation and safety protocols.
According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the An 22 aircraft went down on December 9, 2025, while conducting a scheduled test flight. The committee, which handles inquiries into major accidents and criminal matters, announced that it had opened a case to determine whether proper procedures had been followed before takeoff. Early statements indicated that investigators would examine technical records, crew training documentation and ground inspection logs to identify any possible lapses.
Local emergency services were dispatched quickly to the crash site after reports of a large explosion and smoke rising from the area. Footage shared on state channels showed debris scattered across a field, with parts of the aircraft severely burned. Officials said the impact was so forceful that identifying remains and reconstructing the plane’s final moments would require extensive forensic work. Despite efforts by firefighters, the aircraft could not be salvaged and was declared a total loss at the scene.
The An 22, once one of the world’s largest turboprop transport aircraft, has been used for decades by the Russian military for heavy cargo operations. While many models have been retired, several remain operational for specialized missions and testing purposes. Aviation analysts noted that although the aircraft type has a long service history, aging fleets often require increased maintenance and detailed inspections to ensure safe operation. Whether mechanical failure played a role in this crash remains unknown.
State media said the test flight involved both experienced pilots and technical personnel. Russian officials offered condolences to the families of those killed and praised the crew’s service. The Defense Ministry has yet to release the names of the victims, pending notification of relatives. Military commanders said support would be provided to the families and that the incident would not halt ongoing aircraft modernization programs.
Investigators are also expected to analyze flight data recorders, which were reportedly recovered from the site. These devices will help determine what occurred in the final minutes of the flight, including changes in altitude, engine performance and potential onboard system failures. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were described as stable, with no reports of severe turbulence or visibility issues, making technical or procedural factors more likely subjects of scrutiny.
Russia has experienced several aviation accidents in recent years involving both military and civilian aircraft, prompting renewed calls for modernization and stricter safety oversight. Officials emphasized that the findings of this investigation will be used to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
