A Ukrainian pilot who was flying a light aircraft has been captured after he crashed in Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB)’s border service claims.
The aircraft reportedly went down in the Bryansk region, with unverified photos of the plane appearing to show firearm damage near the propeller.
According to Russian state news agency TASS the incident occurred on April 5, 2023, around 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border
A spokesperson for the FSB reportedly said: “Members of Russia’s FSB Border Service department for the Bryansk Region recorded a violation of the state border from Ukraine into the Russian Federation by a Ukrainian light-engine aircraft.”
The statement added: “For unknown reasons, the plane crashed near Butovsk in the Bryansk Region. The pilot (a Ukrainian national), who was trying to flee into Ukrainian territory was apprehended by a border patrol.”
Photos have been shared on social media reporting to be the pilot who appears to be aged between 50 and 60.
A representative from the Russian National Guard told TASS the pilot had an assault rifle, magazines and a bulletproof vest.
AeroTime has contacted the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense for a statement and to seek verification of the incident.
AeroTime is unable to verify the authenticity of this story with the Russian FSB.