Russian Su-27 on Fire, Crashes into Sea near Sevastopol

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet has crashed into the sea off the Crimean port of Sevastopol, its pilot bailed out and was rescued by a Russian team.

Video from near the crash location shows the aircraft on fire and plunging with its nose down. Ukrainian media said the aircraft suddenly burst into flames which is consistent with what happens if a fighter jet is shot at with anti-aircraft weapons.

The incident was confirmed by the Russian side. “A military plane fell into the sea, The pilot ejected. He was picked up by rescuers from the Sevastopol Rescue Service at a distance of 200 meters from the shore. His life is not in danger,” Razvozhaev wrote in his Telegram channel.

Razvozhaev also assured the public that no civilian objects were damaged as a result of the crash.

However, he did not provide any details regarding the reasons for the plane's descent into the sea.

Ukrainian forces have not claimed to have shot down the aircraft leading to speculation that the fire may have been caused either by friendly fire or an accident on board.