Russia Confirms Death of Lieutenant General Otrushenko in AN-26 Plane Crash in Crimea

Russia has officially confirmed the death of Lieutenant General Alexander Ivanovich Otrushenko, who tragically lost his life in an AN-26 plane crash in the temporarily occupied Crimea. This confirmation was reported by the news agency 'Suspilne Krym', which cited Russian media outlets, as conveyed by Ukrinform.

According to the information available, the tragedy occurred last week when the aircraft, which was carrying servicemen from the Northern Fleet, crashed. A representative of the Russian authorities, Chibis, stated, 'Last week, a tragedy occurred: a plane crashed in Crimea that was carrying our fighters, the soldiers of the Northern Fleet, among whom, unfortunately, was the commander of the fleet's aviation, Alexander Ivanovich Otrushenko.'

Chibis also noted that he had the opportunity to meet with Otrushenko just a few days before the crash, emphasizing the personal aspect of the tragedy for the military and their colleagues. Lieutenant General Otrushenko, who held significant positions in military aviation, left a considerable mark on the history of the Russian armed forces.

Alexander Ivanovich Otrushenko commanded the naval aviation of the Black Sea Fleet from 2010 to 2013, after which he took charge of the naval aviation of the Northern Fleet. He also commanded the 45th Air Army and Air Defense of the Northern Fleet. In 2019, he was awarded the rank of lieutenant general, and in 2024, he became the commander of the mixed aviation corps of the Northern Fleet, highlighting his substantial contribution to the development of military aviation.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported that the Russian military transport aircraft AN-26 crashed during a flight over Crimea. As a result of this tragedy, six crew members and 23 passengers lost their lives. According to Russian media, the AN-26 collided with a rock, leading to catastrophic consequences.

This aviation disaster serves as yet another reminder of the risks faced by military personnel while fulfilling their duties, as well as the importance of safety in aviation operations. The loss of such highly skilled military professionals like Lieutenant General Otrushenko is a significant blow not only to the Northern Fleet but to the entire Russian army.

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