Two L-39 combat training aircraft collided over Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region, west of the capital Kyiv, on Friday, resulting in the death of three Ukrainian military pilots, including a flying ace who yearned to fly F-16s.
Following the tragic crash, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address that the three men included Andriy Pilshchykov, who went by the call sign 'Juice.'
Zelensky referred to Pilshchykov as "a Ukrainian officer, one of those who greatly helped our state," while air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat described the pilot as a "mega talent" and leader of reforms.
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) opened an investigation to determine whether all rules were followed prior to the flight, while specialists also will examine the so-called black boxes.
(ał)
Source: Reuters