Russia plane crash: Co-pilot was due in court today for 'refusing drug test'

The news of the horrifying An-24plane crash, which went down in Russia killing all 48 passengers and crew, has shaken the world today.

Initially the aircraft appeared to be flying normally over eastern Russia, until a patch of bad weather hit the region and it subsequently disappeared. A huge search took place until the horrifying moment a rescue helicopter saw a heavy band of smoke rising through the trees in a forested area. Authorities have now confirmed everyone onboard was killed.

Now it has been reported thatthe co-pilot of the stricken planewas due to appear in court today after he allegedly refused to take a drug test. Kirill Plaksin, 37, was killed alongside the An-24's captain, Vyacheslav Logvinov, 61, in the eastern Amur region.

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He was reportedly facing a hearing in court over “refusal to undergo a medical examination related to the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances”. Chastnyi Detective Telegram channel stated: "A court hearing on the administrative case was scheduled to take place this evening in Irkutsk.”

His future flight schedule would have allowed him to go to the hearing. The administrative hearing before Judge Yulia Zanora could have resulted in up to 15 days arrest or a fine.

However, despite the claims online, Plaksin’s lawyer told RT the case was an error, and that his client had not used any drugs or substances. Despite the denial, the lawyer refused to release any details on the alleged charges, which are thought to have been brought on in May, keeping quiet by citing attorney–client privilege.

The drug tests are a regular procedure for pilots around the world. Angara Airlines has declined to comment on the matter.

The crash itself happened on the plane's second attempt at trying to land at the remote Tynda airport in the Amur region, which is surrounded by flat but dense woodland.

The An-24 is a twin-turboprop transport aircraft developed in the Soviet Union during the late 1950s. It is still widely used in Russia, which has a poor record on air safety in remote regions.

The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed later all those onboard An-24 had died. Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said: "All persons on board the aircraft were killed." A criminal case has been opened regarding the crash.

Governor of Amur region, Vasili Orlov, said: “It is with sorrow that I report… according to preliminary data, there are no survivors. Rescuers have reached the crash site. I declare a three-day mourning period in the region…This tragedy took the lives of 48 people.”