This archive report was first published on 10 October 2021.
On October 10, 2021, a devastating plane crash occurred in central Russia, claiming the lives of 16 people. The aircraft, a Czech-built L-410 light plane, was carrying 22 parachutists on a flight over the republic of Tatarstan.
According to the emergencies ministry, the plane crashed around 9:23 a.m. local time (0623 GMT) during the flight. Six people were rescued, while 16 were pronounced dead at the scene.
The ministry initially reported that 15 people died and that the aircraft was carrying 23 people. However, subsequent reports confirmed that 22 people were on board the plane.
Images published by the ministry showed the aircraft severely damaged, with a broken fuselage and a dented nose.
The six survivors were hospitalized, with the local health ministry confirming the news to the Interfax news agency.
Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov was en route to the crash site, according to a statement on his website.
The plane belonged to the Voluntary Society for Assistance to the Army, Aviation and Navy of Russia, a sports and defense organization. The head of the organization's regional branch denied any blame, stating that the parachuting club that organized the flight was not responsible.
The club, which has hosted European and World championships, claimed to be among the top five clubs in the country. 'Cosmonauts train here,' the club's representative said.
Two L-410 planes had suffered fatal accidents in Russia earlier in the year, resulting in the deaths of eight people. Despite improvements in air traffic safety, Russia still experiences frequent accidents involving light aircraft, often due to poor maintenance and lax safety standards.
