Hey Goldminer
Goldminer maybe you have forgotten a few other Russian aircraft like the IL76 and AN24/26/72 of which there are too numerous to mention, crashes dotted all over Africa & Afghanistan which ARE NOT shot down !
Yes the Russian crews drink Vodka/Gin/any thing they can get their hands on before/during/after flights and this I have witnessed with my own eyes.They constantly lie about there radials/heights/distances in non radar environments to get a slot before you and yes once again I have witnessed all these acts.
I for one would not risk my ass on any such aircraft mentioned in this thread.
My condolences to all envolved in this incident ( I would not say accident ) as more than likely a factor of "technical problems " coupled by inexperience or poorly trained crew & a Macho attitude will surface as the root causes...it always does surrounding these antiquated and poorly financed aircraft.