Watch: Deaths confirmed as Russian plane plummets to the ground

A Russian plane exploded into a fireball after smashing into the ground earlier on Tuesday – and the whole event was captured on camera. The harrowing scenes show the final moments of a military test flight, and three people on board the aircraft have been confirmed as fatalities by local authorities.

Russian plane crashes near Moscow – latest news and updates on Tuesday 17 August

According to state media, the downed Russian plane will be subject to an extensive probe, with authorities already suspecting ‘human error’ for the crash. The post-mortem has begun in earnest, and we’ve since learned the following:

• The Il-112 prototype aircraft saw its right engine catch fire, before plummeting to the ground and exploding.
• A criminal investigation has already been launched into the deadly test flight, as safety protocols were allegedly breached.
• The Kubinka airbase, located some 60km west of Moscow, is due to host a large military exhibition this weekend.
• However, those plans could be derailed as forensic teams remain at the site for further investigations.

Military test flight goes down in flames

Details about the *exact* cause of the crash do remain sketchy for the time being. Meanwhile, the United Aircraft Corporation (OAK) confirmed that the plane was set to make a landing before it encountered engine trouble.

“The incident took place during the final approach for landing near the Kubinka airfield outside Moscow. All three members of the crew had died. According to information from the place of the IL-112’s crash, there are no survivors.”

Watch: Russian plane explodes, killing three crew members

No-one else bar the flight crew were caught up in the destruction, but Russian State TV did air this footage of the crash:

Russian military transport plane crashes. Reportedly 3 people were on board. pic.twitter.com/g1lMqgFLrS

— Shehab (@ShehabPal) August 17, 2021

#URGENT :-
Video clip:-
Newest Russian #military cargo plane ilushin-112 crashes in the Moscow region.#Russia #Aircraft pic.twitter.com/8VAcTuNKG6

— Edward (@DonKlericuzio) August 17, 2021