Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 strike bomber (35 Red / RF-94159), carrying four crew members, has crashed at 13:40 p.m in Russia’s northwestern region of Murmansk, according to an initial report. Preliminary report on their investigation into T-22M3 strike bomber crash was apparently leaked online
The accident occurred as the long-range bomber was attempting to land at Olenegorsk airfield, aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Of the four crew members, two were injured and were transported to a medical facility to receive assistance whereas two were killed. One of the injured crew members later died in hospital from the injuries sustained in the crash.
Preliminary results of the military investigation said the cause of the accident is a piloting error. Tu-22M3 bombe’s crew allowed landing with increased load.
Here are details: Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Arctic, 2 dead and 2 Injured
The aircraft broke up on impact with the main section bursting into a fireball. The cockpit separated from the rest of the heavy bomber in impact in a hard landing in Murmansk region above the polar circle.
Alexey Guryev evidently lost control as it landed at a remote airbase on a training flight. The plane touched the runway but then bounced off, breaking up, according to reports. The damaged cockpit is seen lying on its side in a snowfield an unknown distance from the rest of the wreckage which is visible charred. Guryev, 37, died at the scene.
(left to right) Alexey Guryev, Konstantin Mazunin, Viktor Greyf (Image: east2west news)
A tribute has been set up to the captain and the two other airmen who perished in the crash – co-pilot Konstantin Mazunin and navigator Viktor Greyf.
An emotional message honouring Greyf, 43, who died as he was rushed to hospital, was posted his teenage son on social media.
Kirill, 17, wrote: “You are my hero!
“You are the very best!”
Another navigator Maxim Rylkov survived the crash but was reported to be in a “grave” condition.
Guryev – a father of one – was from a dynasty of Russian air force pilots and had followed in the footsteps of his father German.
His eight year old son was named German after his grandfather.
There is implied criticism of the crew in an official accident report that leaked tonight (THURS). It claimed the captain “allowed the landing of the aircraft without levelling”. The unbalanced plane then broke apart with impact and began to “destroy”. The cockpit and the rest of the aircraft which erupted in flames were detached.
Russia is mourning the crewmembers’ deaths (Image: Social media; EAST2WEST NEWS)
“The crew did not respond the commands of flight management team and did not leave the aircraft,” said the leaked report.
“The fuselage burned down.”
