In a statement from the ministry, it was stated, "A Tu-22M3 bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed in the Stavropol region while returning to its military airbase after completing a combat mission."
The statement noted that the four-person crew used their ejection seats, adding that three pilots have been rescued and search operations for the fourth are ongoing.
The statement also indicated that there was no damage at the crash site and that the aircraft was not carrying any ammunition.
The statement included the phrase, "According to preliminary data, the cause of the crash is a technical malfunction."
Stavropol Governor Vladimir Vladimirov also noted that the search for one pilot is continuing.
News Source: 12punto
