Belarusian Military Jet Crashes, Killing 2

A firefighter stands at the scene of crashes Belarusian military Russian-built Yak-130 trainer jet in Baranovichi, Belarus, on May 19, 2021. (Vadim Yakubenko, BetTA photo via AP)

KYIV, Ukraine—A Belarusian military jet crashed Wednesday, killing both pilots, the military said.

Belarus’ Defense Ministry said the Russian-built Yak-130 trainer jet crashed near the western city of Baranovichi on a training flight.

It said the plane had an unspecified technical problem and the crew tried to take it away from residential areas before ejecting. They eventually bailed out but died.

A Yak-130 performs during the MAKS-2017 International Aviation and Space Show in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, Russia, on July 21, 2017. (Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr./AP Photo)

The ministry said there were no casualties or damage on the ground. A military panel headed to the area to conduct a probe.

The Yak-130 is a twin-engine, two-seat combat trainer and light ground-attack aircraft. It’s in service in Russia, Belarus and several other nations.