Tragedy in Khmelnytskyi Region
On June 16, a Su-24M frontline bomber crashed in the Khmelnytskyi region, claiming the lives of two pilots:
- Major Bohdan Zahorulko
- Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko
The incident occurred around 7:05 PM in the Shepetivka district. An investigation is currently underway, led by the State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Prosecutor General.
About the Fallen Pilots
Bohdan Zahorulko, a test pilot for the Antonov State Enterprise, joined the Ukrainian Air Force after Russia's full-scale invasion began. He mastered the Su-24M frontline bomber and took part in combat missions. Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko chose a military career in 2019 and also served in the Air Force.
Investigators have recovered the flight data recorder and documentation related to the crew's training and the flight itself. The Ministry of Defense has established a commission to probe the circumstances of the crash. Aviation expert Anatoliy Uvarenko noted,
“After the start of the full-scale war, Bohdan Hryhorovych was one of the few pilots who did not leave for Germany but instead mobilized into the Air Force, mastered the Su-24M, and defended our country with his hands on the controls.”
The deceased: Major Bohdan Zahorulko and Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko. Sources: Glavcom, State Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Prosecutor General, Anatoliy Uvarenko.
This tragedy underscores the dangers military aviators face while carrying out combat missions in the challenging conditions of modern warfare. The loss of two officers highlights the sacrifices made by Ukraine's armed forces in their fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The investigation into the crash will help determine the cause of the incident and enable measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The tragic loss of Major Bohdan Zahorulko and Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko highlights the perils faced by military pilots in Ukraine. For further insights into the circumstances surrounding this incident, as well as the ongoing investigation, you can read more about the details of the crash here.