Aircraft crashes in south Russia

A Czech-made L-39 aircraft crashed Thursday during a training flight in the Krasnodar Region in southern Russia, the Russian air force chief of staff said.

"Today at 9.15 a.m. (5.15 a.m. GMT) an L-39 trainer aircraft from the Krasnodar Air Force Academy crashed near Maikop. The pilots successfully ejected from the aircraft, and there are no casualties," Lieutenant-General Igor Khvorov said.

Air Force spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky said the aircraft`s engine failed during landing at the height of 600 meters.

"The aircraft crashed near the airfield and was partially burnt. There was no damage on the ground. The crew are fine and are having a thorough check up," he added.

A special Air Force General Staff committee has left for the site to carry out an accident investigation.

sections: Accidents, Region News
regions: Southern region