FighterSweep Fans, we have breaking news out of Russia. According to initial reports by the country’s Southern Regional Emergency Center, a Boeing 737-800 passenger jet owned and operated by FlyDubai airlines crashed as it was landing at the Rostov-on-Don airport in southern Russia.

News agencies are reporting everyone aboard was killed in the crash, citing official statements from SREC. FlyDubai Flight 981 had traveled from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don with 55 passengers and 7 crew aboard, the emergency center said. The airport will remain closed until 0600 local time.

“We’re aware of reports coming out of Russia and our team is currently gathering more details,” Boeing stated on its Twitter feed.

Both Air Traffic Control and SREC confirmed the Boeing 737-800 jet crashed near the runway during a second approach in poor meteorological conditions.

“According to preliminary data, the Boeing 737 crashed in poor visibility conditions, some 50-100 meters left of the runway,” a government source said.

Apparently the aircraft crashed during a second approach to the runway.

This is obviously a developing story, so we’ll be keeping tabs on it throughout the coming hours and days.

(Featured photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)