Incident Overview
A military transport aircraft was shot down by pro-Russian rebels on its approach to Luhansk Airport. The attack occurred at night, with the rebels using an Igla shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile. The four-engine aircraft crashed in a wheat field near the village of Novohannivka, approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Luhansk.
Flight Details
The aircraft was en route to Luhansk Airport carrying 40 paratroopers, a crew of 9, and a cargo consisting of materials, furniture, goods, and equipment. The flight was on final approach when the missile struck.
Attack and Crash
Pro-Russian rebels fired an Igla SAM, hitting the aircraft. The resulting explosion was massive, and the aircraft crashed into a wheat field. Impact forces and a post-crash fire completely destroyed the aircraft.
Casualties
All 49 people on board were killed: 40 paratroopers and 9 crew members. The crew members identified were Major Mikael Diakov, Captain Igor Skachkov, Captain Sergei Telegin, Senior Lieutenant Vladimir Burkavtsov, Senior Lieutenant Oleg Pavlenko, and Aleksander Belviy, Aleksander Kozolyy, Aleksander Kowalyk, and Victor Mentus.
Probable Cause
Official findings state the aircraft was shot down by rebels. The probable cause is attributed to the rebel attack with an Igla surface-to-air missile.