Russian military plane with 91 on board crashes en route to Syria

[Anamarija]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

He is not the only one. I have reported this guy because of this:

 

[Jacques]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

Thanks Oxajil. I should have taken the time to verify his tweets and by doing so, have a better context. No short cut !

No problem Gandalf! I had to check as well, sometimes it's hard to believe that people would actually celebrate the death of innocent Russian civilians. :/

Indeed, it is still hard to believe but nowadays it is more and more commun.

 

[Joe]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

The following facts also point toward something totally extraordinary happening in the air. Apparently the incident happened only 7 minutes after taking off. It was still gaining height, when something happened and it crashed. The fragments of the plane were found 1.5 km from the shore, while one of the bodies was found 6 km away, and 8 km away more fragments were found. Apparently such wide spread of fragments is impossible unless the plane started to break-up while in the air.

I've been thinking the same, that this was no ordinary 'technical failure'. If this was another 'exotic weapon' operation, then it was probably a 'warning' to Russia over Syria. That in itself is a very dangerous thing to do, assuming Russia has similar weapons. Then again, if the people behind this kind of attack are more or less 'stateless', then it might be difficult for Putin and Co to decide who exactly to blame, and against whom to retaliate, if that were to be an option.

There's also the possibility of extreme weather, which seems to have been responsible for a few catastrophic downings of planes in recent years. But that flash of light, if associated with the crash, is pretty suspicious.

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

Russia examines all possible reasons for Black Sea jet crash
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20161225_ap_24ae80f74e59437382128d8507293777.html

More than 3,000 rescue workers on 32 ships - including over 100 divers flown in from across Russia - were searching the crash site at sea and along the shore, the Defense Ministry said. Helicopters, drones and submersibles were being used to help spot bodies and debris. Powerful spotlights were brought in so the operation could continue all night.

Emergency crews found fragments of the plane about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from shore. By Sunday evening, rescue teams had recovered 11 bodies and Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said fragments of other bodies were also found.

Asked if a terror attack was a possibility, Sokolov said investigators were looking into every possible reason for the crash. Several experts noted factors that suggested a terror attack, such as the crew's failure to report any malfunction and the fact that plane debris was scattered over a wide area.

The Black Sea search area - which covered over 10 square kilometers (about 4 square miles) - was made more difficult by underwater currents that carried debris and body fragments into the open sea. Sokolov said the plane's flight recorders did not have radio beacons, so locating them on the seabed was going to be challenging.

In the latest previous deadly crash of a Tu-154, a plane carrying Polish President Lech Kaczynski and 95 others crashed in April 2010 while trying to land at a military airport in Smolensk in western Russia, killing everyone on board. Investigations by both Polish and Russian experts blamed pilot error in bad weather, but Polish authorities have launched a new probe.

Most of Bodies of Russian Tu-154 Crash Victims May Be Inside Plane's Fuselage
https://sputniknews.com/russia/201612251048985893-tu154-crash-plane-bodies/

"According to the experts, the bodies of those killed in the crash of Tu-154 are most likely inside the fuselage at a depth of about 60 meters [196.8 feet]," the source said.

 

[aragorn]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

"The Saker" has published a list of possible causes. According to him, the most likely cause is an explosion (bomb) or other form of sabotage. His arguments sound quite plausible to me.

_http://thesaker.is/the-disaster-of-the-russian-military-tu-154-a-few-short-first-thoughts/

The disaster of the Russian military Tu-154 – a few short first thoughts

The disaster of the Russian military Tu-154 – a few short first thoughts
It is too early to conclude what happened with this aircraft, but since I have been asked about this by email, here are my own, personal and provisional, thoughts:

Mechanical failure: unlikely. The Tu-154 is a three engine aircraft and an extremely strong beast. It’s safety record is comparable to most aircraft of its time, even though it was often used in extreme conditions other aircraft types did not have to operate in. The Tu-154 had already taken enough altitude to attempt a return to base or even a water landing. The weather that day was good. Besides, the crew did not communicate any problem. Thus the disaster had to be instantaneous.

Fuel problem: unlikely. Fuel problems are always a prime suspect when a crash occurs, but even if the engines had suddenly experienced problems or even a full shutdown, the pilots would have had the time to report this. Also, like any other aircraft, the Tu-154 can glide and maneuver without power.

Bird strike: unlikely. I am not even sure that there have ever been a triple engine failure due to a bird strike but even if there has been, they crew could have reported it which it did not. And, again, the case of US Airways flight 1549 has shown that even a catastrophic birdstrike does not prevent a fully loaded airliner from attempting to land.

Pilot error: highly unlikely. The guys flying this aircraft where extremely experienced and while human error is always possible, it mostly results in situation were it can be reported. The Tu-154 was a very complex aircraft to operate and it had its weaknesses – but these were all very well known to the Russian crews and this crew was a very experienced one.

Missile: unlikely. The Tu-154 has three engines including one mounted over the top of the rear of the fuselage and a MANPAD type missile warhead does not have the kind of blast radius capable of taking out all three of them. As for bigger missiles, the Black Sea coasts of Russia is very tightly controlled by the Russian military and security services (as is the entire Black Sea) and to get that close to the city of Sochi would be risky and difficult.

Sabotage/bomb: most likely simply because all other causes are even less likely. True, this was a military aircraft with, supposedly, good security. Alas, I can confirm from personal experience that if you look Russian and speak Russian like a native and if you act the right way, military security in Russia is nowhere near as good as it should be. However, if you speak with an accent or look foreign, and that includes speaking with a Caucasian accent or looking like somebody from the Caucasus, you would have a much harder time beating the controls.

For all these reasons and even though it is way too early to speculate, my of preferred hypothesis is that it was a terrorist act executed by Ukrainian operatives. I hope that I am wrong and that I will be proven wrong in the next 24 hours but at this point in time, this appears to me as the most likely scenario.

One more thing: this tragedy really breaks my heart. Not only did the entire Alexandrov Ensemble perish, but two amazing personalities were on board: Valerii Khalikolv and “Dr Liza“. There are no words to express the loss which the death of all these people represents for Russia. This is why I hope and pray that in spite of why first reaction outlined above, this is not a Ukrainian terrorist attack because if it is, the consequences will be very severe. We should know more very soon.

The Saker

 

[neema]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

This is definitely a tragedy. I was looking at some of the pictures of the victims, so young and so much potential. My condolences to their families and may all the victims rest in peace.

I've been thinking the same, that this was no ordinary 'technical failure'. If this was another 'exotic weapon' operation, then it was probably a 'warning' to Russia over Syria. That in itself is a very dangerous thing to do, assuming Russia has similar weapons. Then again, if the people behind this kind of attack are more or less 'stateless', then it might be difficult for Putin and Co to decide who exactly to blame, and against whom to retaliate, if that were to be an option.

There's also the possibility of extreme weather, which seems to have been responsible for a few catastrophic downings of planes in recent years. But that flash of light, if associated with the crash, is pretty suspicious.

Extreme weather is possible, but what are the odds?

If it was an exotic weapon from a stateless actor, one thing Russia might consider doing if they are aware of such things, is to go public about the technology. That might be a way to bring on some heat on the perpetrators.

 

[Gary]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

The main theories as to why the Tu-154 crashed off Sochi’s coast do not include a terrorist act, Russian Transport Minister Maksim Sokolov said.

According to Sokolov, a “technical problem or piloting error” could have led to the disaster.

“Today, the main theories do not include terrorism, so we assume that either technical problems or a piloting error may have been the cause. But I stress that only an investigation, along with a special technical Ministry of Defense committee will tell us for sure,” the minister said at a briefing.

https://www.rt.com/news/371796-tu154-crash-main-versions/

I think the Russian authorities are buying time here while they continue the search and consider the information. For me, “technical problem or piloting error” simply does not fit the facts that we know, as pointed out by the Saker; particularly the instantaneous nature of this terrible tragedy. A space weather type event is a possibility.

But considering the symbolic target, the renowned choir and humanitarian worker "Dr Liza", I am erring towards the 'exotic weapon' scenario, which is certainly giving me chills!

There is only a few weeks before Trump, an apparent Russian friendly president enters the White House, so this may be the final, painful, provocative prodding of the Russian bear by 'stateless' perpetrators insanely desperate for a response of 'Russian aggression'.

If this scenario is true, this was a veritable act of war; instigated in such a cowardly, covert and insidious like manner. I am praying that Putin and his advisers will respond appropriately and impeccably.

I feel deeply saddened, shocked and sickened by this tragedy. Condolences to the families and friends of those who perished and may the victims rest in peace.

 

[aimarok]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

There's a new information that a flash caught on CCTV cameras happened 30 minutes after the plane was lost on radars (_http://www.newsru.com/russia/26dec2016/flash.html). Putting the facts together a fireball hit version starts to look more plausible.

 

[Cosmos]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

Rambler news portal mentions this video on YouTube where we allegedly can see a strange flash of light at the same time as the plane was lost over the Black See:

http://<iframe width="560" height="...qA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Lenta.ru reports that according to a source in the Russian military forces, the terrorist attack is being considered as one of the versions of the crash.

There's a new information that a flash caught on CCTV cameras happened 30 minutes after the plane was lost on radars (_http://www.newsru.com/russia/26dec2016/flash.html). Putting the facts together a fireball hit version starts to look more plausible.

Regarding the two posts above: It is very hard to attribute that flash with the plane, unless there is hard data that can proof it. Do we know the source of that video and where exactly it was shot and in which direction the camera was pointed, for example?

It is almost impossible to judge hight, direction, let alone which plane flew where, what the source of the light is, in a night sky where that flash can be seen. At this stage the flash could be anything, recorded somewhere at any given time.
We need more data there.

 

[Gary]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

There's a new information that a flash caught on CCTV cameras happened 30 minutes after the plane was lost on radars (_http://www.newsru.com/russia/26dec2016/flash.html). Putting the facts together a fireball hit version starts to look more plausible.

Aforementioned article translated by google:

"Interfax" flash in the sky over the place of the fall of the Tu-154 came after half an hour after the crash

After a plane crash the Defense Ministry Tu-154, crashed on December 25 at the Black Sea, the Web video hit with a mysterious outbreak that occurred in the skies over the area of ​​the crash and was fixed surveillance camera. The video has become one of the grounds for assumptions about what happened could have been a terrorist attack, although officially denied this version. Meanwhile, it was reported that the record on which the visible flash, was made half an hour after the accident.

"Interfax" a source in the operational headquarters for disaster relief. "Carefully study the video camera surveillance, fixed the bright flash in the sky over the Black Sea on the eve of the morning was found that the recording was made in about half an hour after the plane disappeared from radar screens, and does not have any relation to it.", - Said the source agency.

At the same time, the source called premature assumptions about what could happen on board an emergency situation, including an explosion. "At the moment not enough information to make definite conclusions. It is necessary to raise the surface of the engines and to study their condition. It is also necessary to carefully examine the data from the radar and the information stored on-board recorders. Only then can any objective version can be build" , - said the source, "Interfax".

Circulated earlier in the Internet video flash has been made surveillance camera mounted on the Black Sea coast. Recording was carried out during the crash of the Tu-154, he said on the eve of the portal "Notepad".

The video in the sky over the coast of bright light flashes and then disappears again. Judging by the signature of the roller, the recording was made by webcam on the beach "Spark" in Adler.

Previously a number of experts, including those based on video with flash, suggested that the plane could explode in the air.

Russian Defense Ministry aircraft Tu-154 flew on December 25 with the Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow and was directed to the air base "Hmeymim" in the Syrian Latakia. In Sochi, the aircraft stopped to refuel, which had not been known in advance. At 5:27 Moscow time the plane disappeared from radar after two minutes after taking off from the airport of Adler. Later it became known that the ship fell into the Black Sea near Sochi coast. The study of radar data showed that the aircraft was wrecked 6 km from the coast.

On board the aircraft were 92 people. Among the victims of the disaster - 64 employee Song and Dance Ensemble of the Alexandrov and his head Valery Khalilov, the three survey groups (NTV, "Star" and "First"), the doctor Elizabeth Glinka, who was carrying in Syria medicine and director of the Ministry of Defense the Department of Culture Anton Gubankov.

http://<iframe width="560" height="...r8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

https://www.rt.com/news/371796-tu154-crash-main-versions/

I think the Russian authorities are buying time here while they continue the search and consider the information. For me, “technical problem or piloting error” simply does not fit the facts that we know, as pointed out by the Saker; particularly the instantaneous nature of this terrible tragedy. A space weather type event is a possibility.

But considering the symbolic target, the renowned choir and humanitarian worker "Dr Liza", I am erring towards the 'exotic weapon' scenario, which is certainly giving me chills!

There is only a few weeks before Trump, an apparent Russian friendly president enters the White House, so this may be the final, painful, provocative prodding of the Russian bear by 'stateless' perpetrators insanely desperate for a response of 'Russian aggression'.

If this scenario is true, this was a veritable act of war; instigated in such a cowardly, covert and insidious like manner. I am praying that Putin and his advisers will respond appropriately and impeccably.

I feel deeply saddened, shocked and sickened by this tragedy. Condolences to the families and friends of those who perished and may the victims rest in peace.

I'm leaning against any technical problems or pilot error and more towards "an exotic weapon" of some kind, especially "the flash of light" that was reported - only a few minutes after take off. The Sochi Military base, from which the military plane took off, was highly fortified and secure. Might be one of the reasons, the plane was attacked, just minutes into flight? If - what hit the plane was an exotic space weapon, indirectly, it's also signaling - it could have targeted the Sochi Russian Military Base, which would have been a direct Declaration of War? Someone is playing a very dirty and dangerous war?
In that regard, I can understand why Russian authorizes are (at this point) publically stating - that they don't see this incident as a "terrorist's act" until they gather more evidence. Plus, their main objective right now is recovery of plane debris and bodies of victims.

I'm starting to see this plane incident, as a form of "retribution" with shades of retaking Palmyra in May, by Syrian forces and Russian air defense, intertwined? The Alexandrov Ensemble had planned to give a concert in Aleppo - just like the Mariinsky orchestra played at the ancient city of Palmyra.
On December 11, Palmyra was recaptured by the Daesh, who pushed the Syrian army out and forced units to regroup at an airbase dozens of miles westward from the city. Plans are now being worked out, for the Syrian Army to retake control over Palmyra.

On the Sunday (Christmas Day) that this incident happened, Obama and the first lady Michelle were also visiting a Military base, the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay. For the last time - he will participate in his holiday tradition as commander-in-chief. The Hawaiian Marine's gave Obama and Michelle a red stage platform - fitting their statue and accomplishments (see photo below). Unfortunately, President-elect Trump will abolish a majority (60-70%) of the outgoing US President Obama's executive orders. While on the same Sunday, Syrian President Assad and First Lady Asma visited a Christian orphanage and gave out gifts.

SOCHI, Russia — A Russian aircraft bound for Syria carrying a famed military band to entertain Russia’s forces there crashed into the Black Sea moments after takeoff on Sunday, and the authorities said all 92 people aboard were believed dead.

Singers in Russian Military Choir Among 92 Feared Dead After Plane Crashes Into Black Sea
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/25/world/europe/russian-military-plane-crash-alexandrov-ensemble.html

Quotes from article:

The Russian military has had only minor casualties throughout its deployment in Syria, but the country has experienced a series of setbacks in recent days.

On Monday, the Russian ambassador to Turkey was assassinated at an art exhibit in Ankara, with the killer yelling, Don’t forget Aleppo, don’t forget Syria!”

That came not long after forces from the Islamic State recaptured the storied Syrian city of Palmyra, forcing the Russian garrison that had been stationed there since helping to take the city last spring to flee.

Passengers on the flight, which originated in Moscow and stopped in Sochi to refuel, included 64 members of the Alexandrov Ensemble, the Russian military choir, who were traveling to Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. The band planned to serenade Russian personnel in Syria on New Year’s Eve.

Russian forces have been instrumental in helping the Damascus government regain the initiative, with the final rebels expelled from the besieged city of Aleppo on Thursday.

Mr. Putin expressed his condolences to relatives of the victims, and he declared Monday a national day of mourning. (Christmas is not celebrated as an official holiday in Russia on Dec. 25, because the Russian Orthodox Church observes it on Jan. 7.)

Founded in the Soviet era, the Alexandrov Ensemble, which had performed in Syria earlier this year, is the official band of the Russian armed forces. It consists of an orchestra, a choir and a dance ensemble, and is one of the two Russian orchestras allowed to use the title Red Army Choir.

The ensemble was founded by Aleksandr V. Aleksandrov, a prominent Soviet composer and the author of the music of the Russian anthem. His grandson Yevgeny told Meduza, a Russian news website, that “the best members of the ensemble died.”

“All the best soloists, the whole choir,” he said. “Everything will collapse now. The best ones are gone.”

Several independent news outlets in Russia reported that the Alexandrov Ensemble had planned to give a concert in Aleppo. In May, the Russian military had flown a symphony orchestra led by one of its best-known conductors, Valery Gergiev, to mark the reclaiming of Palmyra.

The age and reputation of the Tu-154, as well as the fact that the aircraft had flown out of secure military airfields, meant that most senior officials speaking publicly ruled out the possibility that an attack had caused the crash. But there was speculation by a few aviation experts, echoed by some officials, that terrorism could not be ruled out given the suddenness with which the plane disappeared and the size of the debris field.

“For us the worst version is an act of terrorism, because if this is the case, this will mean that we have paid another bill for Aleppo,” Vadim Lukashevich, an aviation expert, told Dozhd, an independent television station.

The Syrian Army who recently liberated Aleppo from terrorists will focus in 2017 on boosting its positions around the city and then will engage to retake control over Palmyra and, possibly, continue an offensive on Idlib, according to Igor Korotchenko, chief editor of the Russian magazine National Defense.

After Aleppo Syrian Army Likely to Launch Offensive on Palmyra, Idlib
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201612251048977741-syria-palmyra-idlib/

25.12.2016 - The liberation of Aleppo from the radical element is the most important component of a full normalization in Syria, and I hope in the region as a whole," Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

"I think that in 2017, the Syrian Army will focus its efforts on preventing possible counteroffensives by militants. The military will also protect infrastructure facilities and residential areas which are already controlled by the government. Another important goal is retaking Palmyra " Korotchenko told RIA Novosti.

Daesh terrorists first seized the ancient city of Palmyra in spring 2015 and a year later was forced out by Syrian government troops with air support from Russian jets. On December 11, Palmyra was recaptured by the Daesh, who pushed the Syrian army out and forced units to regroup at an airbase dozens of miles westward from the city.

The expert underscored that the importance of retaking Palmyra is due to its strategic locations and unique cultural artefacts.

Orchestra performs after-dark concert in Palmyra just months after ISIS used it to carry out public executions in Syria (Photos )
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3575447/Culture-civilization-return-Palmyra-Russian-orchestra-performs-concert-ancient-Roman-amphitheatre-time-ISIS-used-carry-public-executions-Syria.html

Back-dated 5 May 2016 - Mariinsky orchestra played at the ancient city of Palmyra this week for the first time since ISIS were defeated.

ISIS militants badly damaged the archaeological site and used it to carry out horrific public executions.

KANEOHE, United States: U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday visited American troops at a Hawaii military base, the last time he will participate in his holiday tradition as commander-in-chief.

Obama pays last presidential holiday visit to Hawaii marine base
http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/World/2016/Dec-26/386703-obama-pays-last-presidential-holiday-visit-to-hawaii-marine-base.ashx

Obama and the first lady Michelle visited the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, close to where the presidential couple are vacationing with their daughters.

Speaking weeks before President-elect Donald Trump's scheduled inauguration, Obama called his time as commander-in-chief "the privilege of my life."

He told troops that even after leaving office he hoped to continue visiting the base "for many years to come."

"I understand that I still have a little rank as ex-president," he said, drawing laughs from the crowd.

"So I still get to use the gym on the base, and of course, the golf course."

Former US House of Representatives Speaker and Trump's transition team vice chairman Newt Gingrich claimed Sunday that the president-elect will abolish majority of the outgoing US President Obama's executive orders.

Newt Gingrich Says Trump Will Repudiate Up to 70% of Obama’s Executive Orders
https://sputniknews.com/us/201612261048991458-trump-repudiates-obama-orders/

"And at 60 percent or 70 percent of his [Obama’s] executive orders, almost all of which will be repudiated by Trump. The things he's done this week can be turned around. It takes a little bit of legalized — I mean, the smart lawyers, but they'll turn it around," former US House of Representatives Speaker Gingrich said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has visited a Christian orphanage near the capital Damascus on Christmas Day.

Syrian president visits Christian orphanage on Christmas Day
http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/syrian-president-visits-christian-orphanage-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world

Photographs posted on the Syrian presidency’s Facebook page showed the president along with his wife, Asma, standing with nuns and orphans in the Damascus suburb of Sednaya.

In the northern city of Aleppo, Christians celebrated Christmas for the first time in four years with the country’s largest city now under full control of government forces.

The rebel withdrawal from east Aleppo last week marked Assad’s biggest victory since Syria’s crisis began in 2011.

 

[Eboard10]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

I'm leaning against any technical problems or pilot error and more towards "an exotic weapon" of some kind, especially "the flash of light" that was reported - only a few minutes after take off. The Sochi Military base, from which the military plane took off, was highly fortified and secure. Might be one of the reasons, the plane was attacked, just minutes into flight? If - what hit the plane was an exotic space weapon, indirectly, it's also signaling - it could have targeted the Sochi Russian Military Base, which would have been a direct Declaration of War? Someone is playing a very dirty and dangerous war?
In that regard, I can understand why Russian authorizes are (at this point) publically stating - that they don't see this incident as a "terrorist's act" until they gather more evidence. Plus, their main objective right now is recovery of plane debris and bodies of victims.

Both the Sinai Plane Crash and 9/11 coincided with hurricanes forming in the region nearby, which is speculated to be related to these exotic weapons.

Would be telling if a cyclone or some other adverse weather phenomenon did manifest around that time.

Was an 'exotic energy weapon' used to down Russian plane in Sinai?

Interestingly, on the same day as the crash, one of the largest cyclones recorded in the Arabian sea, and the first to ever make landfall on the Arabian peninsula, was tracking towards Yemen.

These two events - military exercises and a hurricane - are more than a little reminiscent of the scenario that played out on September 11th, 2001, when the US Air Force was conducting several exercises and category 3 hurricane Erin was tracking towards the northeastern US coast, in the direction of New York, before it stalled that morning and reversed course out to sea.

 

[angelburst29]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

Both the Sinai Plane Crash and 9/11 coincided with hurricanes forming in the region nearby, which is speculated to be related to these exotic weapons.

Would be telling if a cyclone or some other adverse weather phenomenon did manifest around that time.

Was an 'exotic energy weapon' used to down Russian plane in Sinai?

Interestingly, on the same day as the crash, one of the largest cyclones recorded in the Arabian sea, and the first to ever make landfall on the Arabian peninsula, was tracking towards Yemen.

These two events - military exercises and a hurricane - are more than a little reminiscent of the scenario that played out on September 11th, 2001, when the US Air Force was conducting several exercises and category 3 hurricane Erin was tracking towards the northeastern US coast, in the direction of New York, before it stalled that morning and reversed course out to sea.

That's really an interesting observation, Eboard10! I never made that connection? At the time of the plane incident, they were reporting clear and nice weather in Sochi. http://www.bing.com/search?q=sochi+russia+weather+forecast+december+24+-+25+2016&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&pc=EUPP_

As for any hurricanes or cyclone's near by, only came across a Super typhoon headed towards the Philippines. The tropical storm Nock-ten was in a west-northwesterly path on the 23rd and was expected to intensify to typhoon strength on December 24. It is expected to make landfall over Catanduanes by afternoon or evening of Christmas Day. It is expected to be over Metro Manila on Monday and to exit the country by Wednesday.
http://seputarkita.info/2016/12/25/super-typhoon-heads-towards-the-philippines.html

 

[Gary]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

The Tu-154's black box has been found.

The Tu-154’s main flight data recorder was found at the depth of 17 meters (56 feet), Russia’s Defense Ministry said. The ministry added that five more fragments of the crashed plane have been located.

The black box was located some 1,600 meters (one mile) from shore by a FALCON underwater drone.

Some 45 ships, 15 underwater drones, 192 divers, 12 planes, and 5 helicopters are currently involved in the search, according to the ministry.

The black box will be delivered to the Central Research Institute of the Air Force of Defense Ministry in the city of Lyubertsy, a Moscow suburb, within the next few hours, the ministry reported.

A source told TASS earlier that one of the key theories as to why the plane crashed “is that foreign objects penetrated the engine,” adding that other possible causes, such as pilot error and technical failure, are also being investigated.

https://www.rt.com/news/371891-tu154-plane-black-box-found/

Some meteor fireball activity was reported in the region on Christmas Day, in Romania, on the other side of the Black Sea. Although according to the AMS website these 4 reports occurred 15.24 UT (17:24 EET) which is later in the day to the crash. One report said "it fragmented in a lot of pieces".

http://www.amsmeteors.org/members/imo_view/event/2016/5306

 

[Gawan]

Re: Russian military plane with 91 on board disappears en route to Syria

The Tu-154's black box has been found.

The Tu-154’s main flight data recorder was found at the depth of 17 meters (56 feet), Russia’s Defense Ministry said. The ministry added that five more fragments of the crashed plane have been located.

The black box was located some 1,600 meters (one mile) from shore by a FALCON underwater drone.

Some 45 ships, 15 underwater drones, 192 divers, 12 planes, and 5 helicopters are currently involved in the search, according to the ministry.

The black box will be delivered to the Central Research Institute of the Air Force of Defense Ministry in the city of Lyubertsy, a Moscow suburb, within the next few hours, the ministry reported.

A source told TASS earlier that one of the key theories as to why the plane crashed “is that foreign objects penetrated the engine,” adding that other possible causes, such as pilot error and technical failure, are also being investigated.

https://www.rt.com/news/371891-tu154-plane-black-box-found/

Some meteor fireball activity was reported in the region on Christmas Day, in Romania, on the other side of the Black Sea. Although according to the AMS website these 4 reports occurred 15.24 UT (17:24 EET) which is later in the day to the crash. One report said "it fragmented in a lot of pieces".

http://www.amsmeteors.org/members/imo_view/event/2016/5306

According to Sputnik (German source) a photo of the crash site was taken by an European satellite and published by the Russian Space Research Institute: