A Russian Su-57 fighter jet crashed near the village of Lutsino outside Zvenigorod in the Moscow region during a training flight, according to multiple independent and pro-government outlets. The pilot ejected after attempting to steer the aircraft away from residential buildings, the Telegram channel Mash reported, citing witnesses. The jet exploded after the pilot left the cockpit, the local Telegram channel Zvenigorod reported.
No one on the ground was injured, the Telegram channel 112 reported. Photos published by eyewitnesses showed flames and a tall column of black smoke at the crash site.
The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case under Article 351 of the Russian Criminal Code (violation of flight rules or preparation for them), Kommersant reported, citing a source. Military experts and a Defense Ministry commission will determine the cause of the crash. The Defense Ministry had not issued an official statement as of publication.
The Su-57 is Russia's newest fifth-generation multirole fighter, first flown in 2010.