PETROZAVODSK, April 23 (RAPSI, Roman Balandin) - Major General Kanamat Botashev, who is being prosecuted for causing a fourth-generation Su-27 fighter to crash last year, has pleaded guilty in court.

The aircraft crashed in Karelia on June 28, 2012. The pilots ejected safely. According to the investigators, General Botashev took part in the flying exercise without proper training and permission. He took control of the aircraft, trying to perform a tail-slide. His errors caused the aircraft to spin out of control and to come crashing down in a forest.

Botashev was charged with abuse of office and violating flight rules which led to serious consequences. The prosecutors sought a five year sentence for the general and over 100 million rubles ($3.2 million) in damages. On Tuesday Botashev made his final statement.

"I plead guilty of this crime and am willing to compensate the damage caused by my actions. However, I do think that the damage ought to be accurately assessed by economists," he said.

Botashev said he resigned from the armed forces immediately after the accident. He also asked the court to take into account his active repentance and his good credentials over the course of his service, his government awards and his financial status. He also asked the court to refrain from giving him a prison term.
Botashev's sentence will be read on April 24.

The Su-27 is a Russian multipurpose super-maneuverable all-weather fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. and The aircraft was designed to achieve air supremacy.