MOSCOW. Dec 24 (Interfax) - Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet that crashed in the Khabarovsk Territory was tested by a civilian pilot, sources told Interfax.
"This plane didn't belong to the [Russian] Defense Ministry. The tests were conducted by the plant. The test pilot is a civilian employee," one of the sources said.
According to the sources, the first serial Su-57 is expected to be delivered to the Russian Defense Ministry this week.
It was reported earlier on Tuesday that a T-50 fighter jet (officially known as Su-57) had crashed in the Khabarovsk Territory.
"It happened 111 kilometers from the Dzyomgi airfield. The pilot ejected. He was evacuated from the site aboard a [Mil] Mi-8 helicopter. The cause of the accident is being established," the source said.