A Russian warplane crashed on Saturday near the city of Lipetsk in central Russia but both pilots ejected safely, the Defense Ministry said.
Spokesman Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said the Yak-130 crashed at 16:58 Moscow time during takeoff at the Lipetsk Air Force Training Center.
He said the pilots were "in satisfactory condition."
Drik said a special commission, headed by the Air Force chief of staff, was set up to look into the accident.
A ministry source told RIA Novosti the accident could have been caused by a technical defect but that the final conclusion would only be made after a thorough investigation.
The Yak-130 Mitten is a subsonic two-seat jet trainer/light attack aircraft.
MOSCOW, May 29 (RIA Novosti)
