Russian An-22 Transport Plane Crashes During Test Flight, 7 Killed

Photo File (X/@RT_com)

A Russian An-22 transport aircraft crashed during a test flight in the Ivanovo region, approximately 254 kilometers northeast of Moscow, resulting in the deaths of seven people, according to state media reports citing the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Authorities confirmed that the aircraft was on a test flight after undergoing maintenance. The plane went down in an uninhabited area, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
It is noteworthy that Russia had announced last year that all An-22 aircraft would be retired from service.

Background of the Aircraft

The An-22, built in 1965 in Kyiv—then part of the Soviet Union—is a unique turboprop aircraft known for its massive size, historic significance, and operational capability.

Once recognized as the world’s largest turboprop aircraft, the An-22 has been widely used in military and emergency operations due to its impressive performance. It can transport 29 passengers with cargo, 290 troops, or 206 wounded personnel, and has a maximum payload capacity of 60 tons.

Aviation experts note that despite their age, powerful aircraft like the An-22 still play an important role in Russia’s air fleet, but stress that maintenance and modernization are now essential for their continued operation.