A Russian military plane with 92 people on board has crashed into the Black Sea, Russia's defence ministry says.
Russia's Tu-154 military transport planes have been regularly flying to Syria, escorted by Russian bombers (file picture). Photo: AFP
The plane disappeared from radar 20 minutes after taking off from the resort of Sochi at 05:20 (3.20pm NZT).
Fragments have now been found.
The defence ministry said the Tu-154 was carrying service personnel, members of the famed Alexandrov military band, and reporters.
The plane was flying to the Syrian province of Latakia.
The flight originated in Moscow and had landed at Adler airport in Sochi for refuelling.
The defence ministry said in a statement: "Fragments of the Tu-154 plane of the Russian defence ministry were found 1.5km from the Black Sea coast of the city of Sochi at a depth of 50 to 70 metres."
So far no survivors have been found, local rescuers told the Interfax news agency.
Most of the passengers were Alexandrov Ensemble members, reports said, along with nine journalists and eight crew members.
Reports in the area said flying conditions were favourable. An investigation has been launched to determine whether any violations of air transport safety regulations had taken place.
Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said the plane was carrying passengers to a New Year's performance for Russian troops deployed in Syria.
The missing plane is reported to be a TU-154, similar to his aircraft. Photo: AFP
- BBC
