The An-22 turboprop military transport aircraft, considered one of the rare planes in the Russian military aviation, has crashed. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
On December 9, the aircraft, which had just come out of repair and was conducting a test flight, crashed in the Ivanovo region. According to information provided by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the plane crashed in an uninhabited area.
Following this, search and rescue operations began, and the fate of the crew members is being investigated. It was noted that there were seven people on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
The An-22 "Antey" aircraft is one of the largest and most powerful turboprop transport vehicles produced during the Soviet era. Its main task was to carry heavy cargo over long distances and to land in complex terrains.
The first flight of this model took place in 1965. The aircraft has been serving in military and transport roles for over 60 years.
However, the long-term operation of the equipment leads to its wear and tear. The last remaining An-22 also met with disaster during a test flight after repairs.
The details of the incident have not yet been fully studied. According to the Kommersant publication, the aircraft disintegrated in the air, and its debris was found near the village of Ivankovo.
Experts consider factors such as technical aging, metal fatigue, or the exhaustion of component resources as the main possible causes. The An-22 aircraft was the largest military transport vehicle in the world in its time and holds a unique place in aviation history.
Currently, due to a lack of modern models in the Russian military fleet, the service life of these old aircraft has been extended several times. However, many specialists believe that such equipment should become museum exhibits.
The investigation into the causes of the disaster is ongoing. Meanwhile, questions about the aircraft's age, technical condition, and safety measures are being discussed among the public.
Until official conclusions are provided, this matter remains open.
