A Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber crashed during a training flight in the Amur region of Russia’s Far East on Tuesday, killing six of the seven crew members on board, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry. One crew member was injured and taken to hospital.
The aircraft crashed in an uninhabited area, near the village of Krasnoyarovo, according to reports, limiting casualties on the ground. Russia’s Defence Ministry said the bomber was conducting a training flight and was not carrying ammunition at the time of the crash.
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The Tu-95 is a long-range strategic bomber used by Russia as part of its strategic aviation fleet. The aircraft is capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles and has been used by its forces in strikes against targets in Ukraine.
Cause of crash under investigation
The exact cause of the crash has not been officially established. Russia’s Defence Ministry said a special commission from the Aerospace Forces had been sent to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Some media reports have cited a possible technical malfunction, while other reports have mentioned an engine failure shortly after takeoff. These accounts have not yet been confirmed as the official cause.
Initial reports also incorrectly identified the aircraft as a Tu-154 before the Defence Ministry confirmed that the aircraft was a Tu-95. Pravda
What happened to the crew?
According to the Defence Ministry, six crew members died and one survived with injuries. The survivor was evacuated to a medical facility. The crash occurred in a remote area, and authorities said there were no reported casualties on the ground.
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Tu-95 crash: What we know so far
- Aircraft: Tu-95 strategic bomber
- Location: Amur region, Far East
- Date: September 29, 2026
- Flight: Training flight
- Crew: Seven
- Deaths: Six
- Survivor: One, injured
- Weapons on board: Authorities says no ammunition was being carried
- Cause: Under investigation
- Investigation: Aerospace Forces commission dispatched
The crash comes as Moscow continues to rely on its long-range strategic aviation fleet amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, there is currently no official indication that the crash was caused by enemy action, and claims of sabotage or Ukrainian involvement remain unconfirmed.
