Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crash kills eight officers

A Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber crashed in the Amur Oblast on September 29 during a training flight near the village of Krasnoyarovo. While initial reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense indicated six crew fatalities, subsequent reports from local media and independent outlet Mediazona have confirmed eight deaths.

The deceased include high-ranking officers, such as two lieutenant colonels and two majors. Identified personnel include Major Andrey Nikolayevich Lobanov, who commanded the Tu-95 squadron, and Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Vladimirovich Gerasimov, a squadron commander. Other victims include Lieutenant Colonel Fyodor Viktorovich Pavlov, Lieutenant Vladislav Vladimirovich Moskovskikh, Captain Artur Araratovich Jenokyan, Lieutenant Mikhail Mikhailovich Kotysev, Captain Sergey Alexandrovich Monsevich, and Major Vladimir Yurievich Kelip.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated the aircraft was flying without ammunition in an unpopulated area and has dispatched a commission from the Aerospace Forces to investigate the cause. Some preliminary theories suggest a fuel explosion, though this remains unconfirmed. Reports indicate the aircraft departed from the Ukrainka air base.