Luhansk | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The aircraft was on its way to Luhansk Airport, carrying 40 paratroopers, a crew of 9 and few materials, furniture, goods and equipment. On final approach by night, pro-Russian rebels shot down the aircraft with an anti-aircraft weapon 'Igla' SAM. The four engine aircraft crashed in a huge explosion in a wheat field located near the village of Novohannivka, about 20 km southeast of Luhansk. All 49 occupants were killed and the aircraft was completely destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.
Crew:
Aleksander Belviy,
Major Mikael Diakov,
Captain Igor Skachkov,
Captain Sergei Telegin,
Senior Lieutenant Vladimir Burkavtsov,
Aleksander Kozolyy,
Senior Lieutenant Oleg Pavlenko,
Aleksander Kowalyk,
Victor Mentus.

Probable cause:

Shot down by rebels.

Crash of an Antonov AN-26Sh near Luhansk

Date & Time: Mar 5, 1985

Type of aircraft:

Antonov AN-26

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Registration:

29 yellow

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Schedule:

Luhansk - Luhansk

MSN:

69 02

YOM:

1978

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The crew was engaged in a training mission in the region of Luhansk when both engines flamed out in flight. The crew completed an emergency landing in an open field located near the village of Novobyelaya. All five crew members escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.