News

Chita Garrison investigating bodies of the Russia’s Investigative Committee have initiated a criminal case over MiG-29 plane crash on the signs of a crime under article 351 of the Russian Federation Criminal Code (violation of the rules for flights and training for them).

According to investigators, on 6 September 2012 at about 11:07 p.m. local time commander of 2^nd air squadron of military unit 63559 started exercises of military practice course of fighter aircrafts “Flight on simple pilotage and en route at lower altitudes”. During the exercise additional commands were not received by the commander, he didn’t contact the chief of the flights, the flight was carried out at 400-500 meters. At 4^th minute of the flight command-dispatcher center visually registered a flash on the ground. The efforts to contact the commander were fruitless. Land search-and-rescue team immediately set off for the place of a flash. The crater with jet fragments and the pilot’s body was discovered 2,100 meters away from the airfield’s checkpoint.

Investigating group immediately set off for the accident scene. Criminologists of East Military District Military Investigations Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee arrived to render practical and methodological assistance. At present they are examining the scene. Documents relating to organization of flights are being seized from the military unit.

Investigation is to be continued.