Russia plane crash: Training aircraft crashes after engine failure in Moscow; 4 dead

A light training aircraft crashed on Saturday in the Kolomna district of Russia’s Moscow region, killing all four people on board, including the crew and trainees.

According to the disaster management ministry, the Yakovlev Yak-18T aircraft went down in a field after suffering engine failure during an aerobatic manoeuvre. The plane reportedly caught fire upon impact.

There were no injuries or damage reported on the ground.


Some local reports suggest that the aircraft had not received flight clearance prior to takeoff.

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

All about Yakovlev Yak-18T

The Yakovlev Yak-18T is a four-seat, single-engine, light utility aircraft developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s. Designed primarily for training civil aviation pilots, it features a robust, all-metal airframe, a radial piston engine, and a tricycle landing gear.

Unlike its predecessor, the Yak-18, which was a tandem-seat basic trainer, the Yak-18T offers side-by-side seating for instructors and trainees, making it better suited for advanced instruction and light transport roles.

Renowned for its durability and handling, the Yak-18T has been widely used by Soviet and later Russian flying clubs, aeroclubs, and aviation schools. Its strong build and aerobatic capabilities also made it a popular choice for sport flying.

Though production has been limited in recent decades, many Yak-18Ts remain in service across Russia and former Soviet states, a testament to their rugged design and training utility.