Russian AN-22 Antonov Cargo Plane Crash Claims Seven Lives in Test Flight Disaster

A Russian military cargo plane has crashed. The incident happened on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The aircraft went down near Ivankovo village in the Ivanovo region. All crew members onboard were killed.

Russian state media confirmed there were seven people on the AN-22 aircraft. The flight was a test mission conducted after recent repair work. This tragedy marks a significant loss for Russia’s military aviation.

Investigation Launched Into Fatal Crash Circumstances

Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case. They are probing potential violations of flight preparation rules. The committee stated the crash occurred during the test flight.

The defense ministry said the plane fell in an uninhabited area. Search and rescue crews were immediately deployed to the site. According to reports from TASS, no survivors were found at the scene.

Broader Context of Military Aviation Safety

The Ivankovo crash site is about 200 kilometers east of Moscow. Officials have not linked the crash to the conflict in Ukraine. The AN-22 Antonov is a massive, propeller-driven military transport aircraft.

Aviation accidents involving military hardware have been noted in Russia. The increased pace of operations often requires more flights and maintenance. This incident will likely prompt reviews of testing and repair protocols.

The fatal AN-22 crash is a stark reminder of the risks in military aviation. A full investigation is now underway to determine the exact cause.

Info at your fingertips

What type of plane was involved in the crash?

The aircraft was an AN-22 Antonov. This is a large, four-engine turboprop military transport plane. It is one of the world’s largest propeller-driven aircraft.

Where did the Russian plane crash happen?

It crashed near the village of Ivankovo. This village is located in the Ivanovo region of Russia. The area is approximately 125 miles east of Moscow.

How many people were on the AN-22?

There were seven crew members onboard. Russian state media agency TASS reported this figure. Officials confirmed no one survived the crash.

Why was the plane flying?

It was on a test flight. The flight was conducted following recent repair work on the aircraft. The Russian defense ministry released this information.

Who is investigating the crash?

Russia’s Investigative Committee is leading the probe. This body investigates major crimes and incidents. They are examining potential flight safety rule violations.

Has this been linked to the war in Ukraine?

Officials have not suggested any link. The crash is being treated as an accident during a test flight. The defense ministry stated it occurred in an uninhabited area.