First loss of RF VKS MiG-31K

Late January 2022, a Russian Federation - Aerospace Forces (RF VKS) MiG-31K with serial RF-95217 and Bort No.92 Red, was lost whilst taking off from Soltsy Air Base in the Novgorod Oblast.

The aircraft veered off the runway resulting in the collapse of the undercarriage and tearing off the forward fuselage section. After the aircraft came to rest, both crew safely left the stricken aircraft without injuries.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

According to the Scramble Magazine database, the MiG-31K is operated by the 929th V.P. Chkalova State Flight Test Centre (929 GLITs) at Akhtubinsk.

Photo by Stanislav Valeryevich @PussyRobbery