A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed during a training flight on Wednesday in Irkutsk Oblast, southeastern Siberia. One pilot died, and three others were injured.
A report by Russian media outlet Meduza, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense, stated that the aircraft went down near the village of Buret in the Usolsky district. The ministry said the crash was likely caused by a technical malfunction.
All four crew members ejected before the crash but the pilot died after landing. The three others are currently under medical care, according to Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev.
💥 Russia: $300 million Tu-22M3 supersonic strategic bomber crashed in Irkutsk region. Crew ejected. Pilot dead.
The debris fell on the power lines, causing a blackout in the area. pic.twitter.com/DsLYvhNq9R— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) April 2, 2025
According to reports, the aircraft struck a power line during the crash, causing power outages in two nearby villages. The online news channel Mash posted a video of the burning aircraft following the crash.
Ту-22М3 упал в Усольском районе Иркутской области.
Четверо наших мальчиков в трусиках начали соблюдать перемирие. pic.twitter.com/4VSYNjjuEh— Кокошенков (@kokoshenkov1) April 2, 2025
The Tu-22M3 is a long-range bomber designed to carry conventional and nuclear weapons, including Kh-22 cruise missiles.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
