Investigation of the Su-24M Crash
The State Bureau of Investigations has completed the deciphering of the flight recorder of the Su-24M bomber fighter that crashed in Khmelnytskyi on June 16. The investigation revealed that during the flight, there were malfunctions in the control system on the left wing, leading to a loss of aircraft control. As a result, the aircraft fell from a height of over 600 meters at a speed of 809 km/h, which was fatal for both pilots.
The crash occurred around 7:00 PM near one of the settlements in the Khmelnytskyi region. The aircraft was making its second flight that day when the crash happened. 23-year-old Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko and 55-year-old Major Bohdan Zahorulko, who was a test pilot and voluntarily took up arms to defend Ukraine after the full-scale invasion began, lost their lives.
Possible Causes of the Crash
A preliminary service investigation by the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine points to a possible external influence, including the version of the aircraft colliding with a bird. However, this version has yet to be confirmed by experts. The Bureau has received the materials of the service investigation and appointed an additional aviation-technical examination to establish the final cause of the aircraft's fall. Investigators have seized:
- the black box;
- the flight log;
- the crew medical examination log;
- the flight manager's log;
- other service documentation.
The criminal proceedings are being investigated under Part 2 of Article 416 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The investigation aims to determine whether the detected damages could have led to a complete loss of aircraft control, whether the crew had the opportunity to stabilize the aircraft, and to verify other versions of the crash. As stated in the Bureau:
“It fell from a height of over 600 meters, and its speed reached 809 km/h”
This aviation disaster highlights the importance of flight safety and maintenance of military aviation in Ukraine, especially in wartime conditions. The high likelihood of external influence, particularly a possible collision with birds, raises additional questions regarding technical standards and crew training. The investigation results may significantly impact future decisions regarding the operation and maintenance of military aviation in the country.
In light of recent aviation incidents, including a MiG-29 crash during a combat mission in the Odesa region, the ongoing investigation into the Su-24M crash highlights the critical need for thorough examinations of potential external factors affecting aircraft safety. As authorities delve deeper into these cases, the findings may reveal broader implications for military aviation protocols in Ukraine.