Russian servicemen prepare a Russian Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet before a departure for a mission at the Russian Hmeimin military base in Latakia province, in the northwest of Syria, on December 16, 2015. (Xinhua/AFP)

MOSCOW, May 3 (Xinhua) -- A Russian Su-30SM fighter crashed over the Mediterranean Sea shortly after its takeoff, killing both pilots on board, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The accident took place at around 09:45 Moscow time (0645 GMT) when the aircraft was climbing after the take-off from the Khmeimim airfield in the port city of Latakia in western Syria, Russian media reported, citing a ministry statement.

Both pilots who fought until the last minute to save the plane were killed, the ministry said.

According to preliminary information, a bird that hit the plane's engine could have caused the crash.