Ukraine Antonov crash

On 25 September 2020 around 20:50 hrs LT, an Antonov An-26 of the Ukraine Air Force (VVS Ukraine) crashed in the Kharkov region.

Unfortunately, of the 27 people on board 22 people were confirmed killed in the accident. Three people are missing. Two survivors were brought to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Most of the occupants were cadets of the National University of Kharkov.

The An-26Sh, Bort 76 Yellow, was performing an educational flight when a fire started on board, possibly originating to one of the engines. Leading up to the crash, the crew reported a problem with one engine. The aircraft, which belonged to 203 UABr based at Chuhuiv (Ukraine), came down on a highway near the eastern city of Kharkov during a landing attempt. Possibly due to the ongoing fire, the runway wasn't reached and the aircraft came down about 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) from the runway.

Ukraine officials say there is no indication the crash was caused by enemy fire. The frontline of the conflict where government forces are fighting pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine is some 60 miles (96 kilometres) away from Kharkov.

The An-26 with construction number 5608 was manufactured in 1977 and initially served with the Russian Air Force. It was transferred to the Ukraine VVS in 1992 and was first reported as Bort 76 Yellow in June 2006. The contract to prolong its service life by one year was signed on 27 July 2020.

Photos: UNIAN, Ukraine State Emergencies Service