Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashes in Irkutsk

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

A Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in Russia's Irkutsk region while attempting to land during a routine training flight, the Russian Defence Ministry confirmed on Monday.

The crew ejected safely, and there was no ground damage, it reported.

According to the ministry, the aircraft was flying without an ammunition load.

The preliminary cause of the Tu-22M3 aircraft incident in the Irkutsk region has been identified as engine failure, regional Governor Igor Kobzev said on his social media channel.

Local residents located the crew members and medics are attending to the crew, he said.

A commission from Russia's Aerospace Forces is working at the site, authorities said.