Russia: Four dead as Yak-18T crashes during maneuver

A Yak-18T trainer aircraft crashed during an aerobatic maneuver in Kolomna, near Moscow, killing all four onboard. The plane reportedly lacked flight clearance. Authorities have begun an investigation. No ground casualties or damage were reported

Moscow: A light trainer aircraft crashed on Saturday in the Kolomna district of Moscow region, killing all four crew members and trainees on board.

The Yakovlev Yak-18T aircraft went down in a field due to engine failure while performing an aerobatic maneuver and burst into flames, the Disaster Management Ministry’s press bureau said in a statement.

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While all four onboard perished, there were no casualties or damage on the ground.

According to reports, the aircraft had not been granted flight clearance prior to takeoff.

The Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the crash.

The Yak-18T is widely used by flying clubs across the former Soviet Union, primarily for training civil aviation pilots.