TU-22M3 plane crashes in southern Russia

MOSCOW -- A TU-22M3 strategic bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces crashed in southern Russia, the Defense Ministry said on Friday.

The plane crashed in the Krasnogvardeisky district of the Stavropol Territory while returning to its home airfield after completing a combat mission, said the ministry.

Three crew members have been evacuated by the rescue team, and the search for another pilot is still underway, it said.

The plane was not carrying ammunition, and caused no destruction on the ground.

Initial findings suggest that the crash was caused by a technical fault.