The Russian Air Force's chief press officer, Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik, said Lt. Col. Valeryan Koparev, an air squadron assistant commander, died in the crash near the city of Chita, ITAR-TASS reported.

The Air Force spokesman said the crash was the second involving a MiG-29 in two months and led to a precautionary suspension of all MiG-29 flights.

Kommersant reported that Koparev was unable to eject from the fighter as he was attempting to avoid crashing into area homes.