Deadly Su-24M Crash in Khmelnytskyi Region Claims Two Airmen
On June 16, a Su-24M aircraft went down in the Khmelnytskyi region, resulting in the deaths of two servicemen. The crash occurred while the crew was carrying out a combat mission. The jet belonged to the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade named after Petro Franko, part of the Ukrainian Air Force. The victims were identified as Antonov test pilot Bohdan Zahorulko and Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko.
Investigation Details Emerge
This was the second flight of the day for the aircraft. Ground crew at the military unit reported no issues with the plane’s technical condition before either takeoff. All required maintenance logs and documentation were completed according to regulations. According to the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR),
“the technical personnel of the military unit found no faults with the aircraft’s condition before either the first or the subsequent flight.”
Reports that one of the pilots may have ejected were later dismissed. Both crew members had passed mandatory medical checks before the flight, reported feeling well, and were in good spirits. Investigators have conducted dozens of interviews, including with the victims’ families, commanding officers, and colleagues. The DBR noted that
“both servicemen are described as professional military personnel who were well respected among their peers, and no family issues relevant to the investigation have been identified.”
An internal inquiry by the Ukrainian Air Force Command is currently underway. Once completed, an independent aviation technical examination will be ordered. A pre-trial investigation has been opened under Article 416, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which covers violations of flight rules or pre-flight procedures leading to a crash or other serious consequences.
This tragedy highlights the inherent dangers faced by military aviation units during combat operations, even when aircraft are deemed mechanically sound. The DBR’s confirmation that no pre-flight technical issues were found underscores the high level of training and professionalism of the crew. The ongoing service investigation and forthcoming independent expert analysis may help determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The recent tragedy in Khmelnytskyi adds to a worrying trend of aviation incidents involving Ukrainian military aircraft. Just days prior, a MiG-29 fighter jet crashed in the Poltava region, raising concerns about the safety of military operations. As investigations continue, the Ukrainian Air Force is under scrutiny to ensure the safety and reliability of its fleet during critical missions.