An-2 aircraft burns after emergency landing in Russia's Yakutia forest

An An-2 aircraft carrying eight people made an emergency landing in a forested area in Russia’s Sakha Republic (Yakutia) after suffering engine failure, with the plane burning completely after the incident.

The pilot sustained multiple burns, while the aircraft was destroyed in the fire that broke out following the forced landing. All passengers were able to escape the burning plane and later reached the bank of the Vostochnaya Khandyga River, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The incident occurred shortly after takeoff when the aircraft experienced engine failure approximately four kilometres into the flight. The aircraft was reportedly conducting aerial patrol operations in a fire-prone area and was operated by MIAN Airlines.

The plane had departed from the village of Tepliy Klyuch before turning back toward its departure airfield. Contact was then lost with the aircraft, after which the crew transmitted their coordinates and reported they had carried out an emergency landing in the forest.

By Sabina Mammadli