Two Pilots Killed as Ukrainian Su-24M Warplane Crashes in Khmelnytskyi Region

Su-24M Crash in Khmelnytskyi Region: What We Know So Far

According to Главком: A military Su-24M aircraft crashed in the Shepetivka district of Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi region on June 16, claiming the lives of both crew members. The victims were identified as Major Bohdan Zahorulko, aged 55, and Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Babenko, aged 23. The incident occurred around 7:05 PM local time while the jet was conducting a routine training flight. The downed plane belonged to the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade named after Petro Franko.

According to preliminary reports, the crash happened during a mission in the Khmelnytskyi area. A pre-trial investigation has been launched under Article 416, Part 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which addresses violations of flight rules or flight preparation leading to severe consequences. This legal step underscores the gravity of the accident as authorities work to determine what went wrong.

Investigation and Aftermath

Law enforcement officials are now examining all possible factors behind the tragedy, including:

• the aircraft's technical condition;
• compliance with pre-flight and in-flight procedures;
• other elements that may have contributed to the crash.

Efforts are currently underway to retrieve and decode data from the plane's flight recorder, while a thorough inspection of the crash site continues. Both the military unit and the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have initiated internal inquiries. Additionally, a special commission from the Ministry of Defense has been formed to conduct a detailed analysis of the event.

This Su-24M crash in Khmelnytskyi region highlights the critical importance of safety in military aviation, particularly during training exercises.

The incident may prompt a reassessment of current training and flight execution protocols, as well as stricter oversight of aircraft maintenance. The findings of the investigation could lead to new measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

This tragic incident not only highlights the risks associated with military aviation but also raises questions about the safety protocols in place. For further details on the circumstances surrounding this incident, read more about the recent crash of the Su-24M in Ukraine.