MOSCOW, June 1 (RIA Novosti) - The MiG-31 (NATO classification Foxhound) fighter jet that crashed in Tver Region, 200 km to the northwest of the Russian capital, could be just too old to fly, a source close to the investigation said. "The crashed MiG-31 has been in service for 20 years," the source said amid an investigation of the local military prosecutor's office.
Alexander Drobyshevsky, official spokesman for the Russian Air Force, added that a special commission of flight safety experts had also been summoned to the scene.
"They are looking for flight recorders and debris that could help them in their inquiries," he said.
Previously the press service of the Russian Air Force had said that a twin-seated MiG-31 crashed as it landed at Khotilovo airfield in the Tver Region. It took off May 31, 23.56 local time and landed 0.44 June 1. Two engines went on fire as the aircraft touched down.
The pilots ejected and were later hospitalized with minor injuries but the fighter was burnt down beyond repair, the press service said.
