Final Farewell to Pilot Bohdan Zahorulko
On June 30, a memorial service was held at St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv for Su-24M pilot Bohdan Zahorulko, who died in a plane crash on June 16 in the Khmelnytskyi region. The tragic incident occurred during a combat mission and also claimed the life of Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko. Zahorulko was widely recognized in military circles for his extensive aviation career.
Bohdan Zahorulko's Career
Zahorulko served as a test pilot for the Antonov aircraft manufacturing plant. He dedicated decades to aviation, working at the Kyiv Aviation Plant since 2004. In 2010, the plant became part of Antonov Company. He participated in testing various Antonov aircraft and carried out complex and critical missions both in Ukraine and abroad. In 2021, he served as the co-pilot on the An-225 Mriya during Ukraine's Independence Day parade. Zahorulko flew multiple aircraft types, including:
- An-32
- An-32P
- An-22
- An-124-100
- An-28
- An-132D
- An-225
- An-158
- An-178
Starting February 25, 2022, Bohdan Zahorulko joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Commenting on his friend's death, reserve colonel and military pilot Vadym Bovt stated:
“Not just anyone is chosen for such a flight. It is a highly responsible mission, and the crew always consists of the best. That is exactly why Bohdan was there.”
The crash occurred in the Shepetivka district of the Khmelnytskyi region, killing both pilots. A pre-trial investigation has been opened under Article 416, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses violations of flight rules or flight preparation leading to severe consequences. The tragic loss of Bohdan Zahorulko is a major blow to Ukraine's aviation community and its Armed Forces.
Zahorulko's death underscores the dangers military pilots face during combat missions. His long aviation career and involvement in testing Antonov aircraft highlight the high level of professionalism and responsibility he demonstrated throughout his service. Losing experienced specialists like Zahorulko significantly impacts the combat readiness and morale of Ukraine's Air Force units.
The tragic incident involving Bohdan Zahorulko is part of a larger context of military aviation risks in Ukraine. Recently, another incident resulted in the loss of two pilots during a Su-24M crash in the Khmelnytskyi region. For more details on this unfortunate event and its implications for Ukraine's air force, see our report on the fatal crash of the Su-24M.