Russia confirms Northern Fleet air commander's death in Crimea An-26 crash

A military transport aircraft, An-26, crashed in Crimea on March 31, killing all 29 people on board, including Alexander Otroshchenko, commander of the 45th Air and Air Defence Army of Russia’s Northern Fleet.

The governor of Murmansk Region, Andrey Chibis, confirmed Otroshchenko’s death on April 6, noting that several personnel from Severomorsk were also among the casualties.

Preliminary reports suggest a technical malfunction as the cause of the crash. According to media sources, the aircraft collided with a rock.

Military investigators have opened a criminal case under Article 351 of the Russian Criminal Code for violation of flight rules.