A Russian Su-27 multirole fighter jet crashed into the Black Sea late on Wednesday, the country’s defense ministry said. The accident occurred during a routine flight amid bad weather conditions.

While the fate of the aircraft’s pilot remains unknown, the military has detected a signal from his emergency beacon. Despite the bad weather, a search and rescue operation has been launched immediately.

Several aircraft, including an An-26 plane and an Mi-8 helicopter, as well as sea vessels – both military and civilian – are partaking in the effort.