Cheburashka Crash In Kongo

The Antonov An-72 (NATO reporting name: Coaler) is a Soviet/Ukrainian transport aircraft, developed by Antonov. It was designed as an STOL transport and intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-26, but variants have found success as commercial freighters.

The An-72 and the related An-74 get their nickname, Cheburashka, from the large engine intake ducts, which resemble the oversized ears of the popular Soviet animated character of the same name.

Crash of presidential cargo plane in Congo kills eight people

An Antonov An-72 cargo plane operated by the Congolese Air Force crashed near Punia in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aircraft was transporting logistical support for the president Félix Tshisekedi.