Su-34/Su-24 Crew Reportedly Killed After Ground Ejection System Failure

An incident occurred at a Russian bomber aviation regiment when the ejection system activated onboard an aircraft parked inside its shelter, according to reports from a pro-Russian military blogger affiliated with the Russian Air Forces Fighterbomber on December 8.

The malfunction reportedly triggered an ejection while the jet was on the ground and static, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and navigator, who sustained injuries described as “incompatible with life.”

The aircraft involved was likely either a Su-34 fighter-bomber or a Su-24 frontline bomber, according to Ukrainian military outlet Militarnyi.

Accidental activations of Soviet- and Russian-designed ejection systems are rare but not unprecedented, typically linked to maintenance failures, improper safety interlocks, or inadvertent system triggering while crews are entering or preparing the aircraft.

Earlier, a Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter was shot down by its own forces during an attempt to repel a Ukrainian drone strike on Russian territory, after a fighter jet allegedly mistook it for an enemy UAV and opened fire.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW