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Russia’s military transport plane An-26 crashed in Crimea on Tuesday. There were 23 passengers and 6 crew members on board. Everyone died on the spot. According to Russian news agency Tass, contact with the first plane was lost. Later it crashed into a rock.
In the initial investigation, the cause of the accident is believed to be a technical fault. This has not been officially confirmed yet. Investigation of the matter is ongoing. The An-26 plane is a Soviet-era military transport aircraft. It was made by Antonov Company. Its first flight took place in 1969.
It is used to transport soldiers, weapons and military equipment. Dozens of soldiers or heavy cargo can be carried simultaneously.
The specialty of this aircraft is that it can take off even from short and bad runways. Due to this, it is used in inaccessible and war areas. Airdrop operations can also be done through the large cargo door behind it.
Due to its design being more than 50 years old, questions have been raised on its safety. Its accidents have also come to light from time to time. Even today this aircraft is being used in many countries, but it is gradually being replaced by modern transport aircraft.
