A Russian Il-76 military transport plane crashed in the Ivanovo region, northeast of Moscow, with 15 onboard. The crash, occurring shortly after takeoff and attributed preliminarily to an engine fire, has highlighted the escalating aviation hazards as the Ukraine conflict persists.
This incident marks the latest in a series of aviation mishaps involving Russian military aircraft since the onset of the war in Ukraine. The Defense Ministry has dispatched investigators to the crash site, while Ivanovo Governor Stanislav Voskresensky confirmed there were no ground casualties but extended condolences, suggesting fatalities among the passengers and crew.
Footage circulating on social media shows the aircraft aflame prior to crashing, leading to speculation about the cause being a technical malfunction, possibly exacerbated by an engine fire. Official reports indicate all 15 individuals aboard the aircraft are presumed dead, though detailed casualty reports are pending.
Reports say and video shows a Russian IL-76 military transport plane caught fire and crashed near Ivanovo, east of Moscow today. Some Russian Telegram channels say 12 on board but much still yet to be determined, including the cause. pic.twitter.com/iK6HPif0ES
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 12, 2024
The crash coincides with a period of intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory, including military airbases, indicating a potential escalation in aerial warfare tactics. Notably, Ukraine has targeted Russia’s transport aircraft fleet in the past, with several Il-76 aircraft reported destroyed or damaged on the ground.
Military analysts point to an increase in flight operations related to the conflict as a contributing factor to the rising number of aircraft losses. This event further compounds Russia’s non-combat aviation losses, which have been significant since the war’s commencement.
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