Antonov An-22 Crashes in Ivanovo Oblast After Mid-Air Structural Breakup, Resulting in Total Loss of Crew

On December 9, 2025, an Antonov An-22 'Antei' of the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed into Uvodskoye Reservoir in Ivanovo Oblast following a mid-air structural breakup. The aircraft, reportedly the last operational airframe of this type in Russia, was conducting a post-maintenance flight when it suffered a catastrophic failure, resulting in the deaths of all crew members.

Early investigations suggest potential factors such as technical malfunctions or structural issues due to the aircraft's age. The An-22, originally designed in the 1960s, has faced cumulative metal fatigue from decades of operation.

The crash imagery indicates a 'V' profile consistent with severe structural failure, resembling past incidents of similar aircraft under bending stress. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.