The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the crash of a Tu-22M3 aircraft in the Stavropol Territory
MOSCOW, April 19. /TASS/. A Tu-22M3 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) crashed in the Stavropol Territory while returning to its home airfield after completing a combat mission. The pilots ejected, the Russian Ministry of Defense told reporters.
“In the Stavropol Territory, after completing a combat mission while returning to the home airfield, a Tu-22M3 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed. The pilots ejected,” the message says. It is noted that three crew members were evacuated, and they are currently looking for the fourth pilot.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that there was no ammunition on board the Tu-22M3, and there was no destruction on the ground. “According to preliminary data, the cause of the accident was a technical malfunction,” they added.
The governor of the region, Vladimir Vladimirov, later announced the hospitalization of two pilots. Another one was evacuated, and they are looking for a fourth pilot, he said.
“Two pilots from the Russian military aircraft were taken to regional medical institutions. All necessary medical care is being provided. Another pilot, alive, was evacuated from the scene of the incident. A search is underway for the fourth crew member,” Vladimirov wrote in his Telegram channel.
The plane crashed into a field in the Krasnogvardeysky District. According to operational data, there was no destruction or casualties.