Combat Trainer Crashes in Russia, Pilot Ejects

A Russian combat trainer aircraft crashed during a training flight near Zvenigorod in the Moscow region with the pilot reportedly ejected safely.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, the Russian Defense Ministry said adding, "A combat trainer aircraft crashed during takeoff in the Moscow Region on July 23. The pilot ejected, and his life is not in danger. The aircraft crashed in an uninhabited area, causing no damage on the ground."

The flight was carried out without ammunition. A technical malfunction of the aircraft has been identified as the preliminary cause of the crash, the ministry said.

While the model and type of the aircraft was not disclosed by the Russian MoD, some social media accounts speculated the aircraft could be a Su-57.

It can be mentioned that the only combat trainer in Russian service is the Yak-130, a twin seater aircraft meant for a pilot and trainee. Other aircrafts such as the Su-30, Su-34 are twin seaters so can also do the work of a combat trainer.