Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Irkutsk; crew ejected

A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in the Irkutsk region of Russia, with footage circulating on social media showing the aircraft falling from the sky and plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the bomber's crew ejected and that there were no casualties on the ground. The ministry also stated the aircraft was not carrying live ammunition and was on a routine flight when the incident occurred.

Regional governor Igor Kobzev reported that four crew members were hospitalized, three with minor injuries and one with moderate injuries. He suggested that engine problems might have caused the crash. The Tu-22M3, an upgraded version of the Soviet-era Tu-22M, is designed for long-range attacks on naval and land targets, capable of carrying guided missiles and bombs. Russia has actively used these bombers in its operations in Ukraine, employing missiles such as the Kh-22 and Kinzhal.

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The crew ejected. There is no threat to the pilots' lives and health. There are no damages on the ground. The aircraft was flying without combat ammunition.

This incident follows a similar crash of a Tu-22M3 in the Stavropol region in April 2024. Ukraine claimed responsibility for that incident, stating that its intelligence and air force jointly downed the aircraft. The NATO reporting name for the Tu-22M3 is 'Backfire'.

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Engine problems could be the cause of the accident.