Incident Overview
A Russian Navy-owned and operated aircraft was involved in a fatal crash in southeastern Turkey while supporting firefighting operations. The aircraft had been dispatched in July to assist the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry in combating raging forest fires. On board were eight crew members, comprising five Russian and three Turkish nationals.
Sequence of Events
According to the official investigation source, the aircraft had just completed a water drop on a fire. The crew then elected to gain altitude. During the climb, the aircraft impacted terrain and crashed on a mountain slope, bursting into flames upon impact.
Aftermath
The aircraft was totally destroyed in the crash and subsequent fire. All eight occupants were killed. The exact location and time of day were not specified in the source.
Investigation
No probable cause for the crash has been stated in the source. The investigation may focus on the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's climb after the water drop and the subsequent terrain impact.