The Russian air tanker crashed on Saturday while attempting to fight wildfires in Turkey.
Five Russian crew members and three Turkish nationals were onboard during the crash according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The wreckage of the airplane was littered across mountainous terrain with only the aircraft's tail remaining intact.
Wildfires in Turkey’s Mediterranean region began in late July incinerating thousands of acres of forests.
Over 299 fires had been brought under control within 16 days by firefighters, helicopters, and planes.