Su-24 that crashed near Khmelnytskyi was in good working order and was on combat mission - SBI

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) investigators continue to determine all the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of two servicemen in a plane crash in the Khmelnytskyi Region that occurred on June 16.

It was reported by the State Bureau of Investigation, according to the Ukrainian News agency.

Investigators have determined that this was the aircraft’s second flight of the day. Technical personnel at the military unit did not identify any issues with the aircraft’s technical condition either before the first flight or before the subsequent one. All official documentation was prepared in accordance with established requirements.

It has been confirmed that the pilots were carrying out a combat mission, the details of which have been provided to the investigation. However, in the interests of national security, this information is not being disclosed. The State Bureau of Investigation refutes information circulating online regarding the alleged ejection of one of the pilots. These reports are untrue.

During the investigation, dozens of interviews were conducted, including with family members of the deceased, command personnel, and their fellow service members. According to eyewitnesses, both servicemen underwent the required medical examination before the flight, did not complain of any health issues, and were in good spirits. They are described as professional soldiers who were respected by their colleagues, and no family issues that could be relevant to the investigation have been identified.

According to the findings of molecular genetic analysis, the DNA of the deceased has been identified, confirming the identities of the servicemen. An internal investigation is currently underway, conducted by the command of the Ukrainian Air Force. Once it is completed, an independent aviation-technical examination will be commissioned.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted under Part 2 of Article 416 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of flight rules or flight preparation rules, resulting in a crash or other serious consequences). The Khmelnytskyi Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Defense Affairs in the Western Region is overseeing the proceedings.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, a “black box” was found at the crash site of the Su-24M in the Khmelnytskyi Region; the State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation.

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