Russian military aircraft crashes during test flight

Moscow. An Il-112 light military transport aircraft, developed by the Russian army, suffered an "accident" during a test flight, its developer told AFP on Tuesday.

Images broadcast by Russian state TV and shared on social media showed the plane catching fire before plummeting to the ground and exploding.

The incident took place "during the final approach for landing near the Kubinka airfield" outside Moscow, according to Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (OAK).

The OAK told the TASS state news agency that three people were on board the aircraft.

"The fate of the crew is currently not known," OAK said.

The OAK added that according to preliminary information the plane's right engine caught fire before the crash.

The company did not provide further details.

The Kubinka military field, located some 63 kilometres (39 miles) west of Moscow, is due to host a large military exhibition this weekend.