Russia: Technical malfunction kills 3 military aircrew

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Three Russian military personnel were killed in an accident on Tuesday, the country's Defense Ministry said.

The incident took place at a military airfield near the city of Kaluga, 80 kilometers (49.7 miles) off Moscow, as ejector seats activated when the crew was preparing to take off a Tu-22M3 bomber, the ministry said in a statement.

"Due to the insufficient height for opening the parachutes, three crew members received injuries incompatible with life upon landing," the statement said.

According to reports by the Russian media, one crew member survived and was hospitalized while he is in critical condition.

A special commission departed to the airfield to conduct a technical inspection of the aircraft and investigate the causes of the accident, it said.