Russian An-26 transport aircraft reportedly crashes over occupied Crimea, killing 29

The Kyiv Independent • March 31, 2026 • world

Key Points:

A Russian An-26 transport aircraft crashed in occupied Crimea on March 31, resulting in the deaths of 29 military personnel, including six crew members, according to Russian Telegram channels linked to the Defense Ministry.
The Russian Defense Ministry initially reported loss of contact with the aircraft around 6 p.m. local time and dispatched a search and rescue team, stating there was no evidence of external damage and attributing the crash to a technical malfunction.
The exact location and cause of the crash remain unclear, and Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the incident; the Kyiv Independent has not independently verified the reports.
Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks, including a previous drone strike by Ukrainian military intelligence that destroyed two Russian An-26 aircraft in September 2025.
The An-26 is a Soviet-era twin-engine turboprop used for short- and medium-haul transport, capable of carrying up to 40 troops or 5.5 tons of cargo.

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