A Shaanxi Y-8 transport aircraft operated by the Myanmar air force has crashed, with around 100 persons likely to have perished.
Media reports indicate that about 120 were aboard when the four-engined aircraft crashed in the Andaman Sea about 70km off the coast. The aircraft had departed Myeik at 13:06 local time, and lost contact about half an hour later.
It was reportedly headed to the capital of Yangon.
Search efforts are underway, with reports indicating that there are a small number of survivors. The passengers were military personnel, as well as a large number of civilians, apparently family members of air force personnel, including children.
The registration of the aircraft is unknown. Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that Myanmar's air force operated six Y-8s prior to this crash.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
