In the Khmelnytskyi region, a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the Su-24M fighter jet crash that occurred on June 16 is ongoing. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has already conducted a series of interrogations and received key expert results that shed light on the condition of the equipment and the crew members before takeoff.
Technical airworthiness and official documentation
One of the first questions requiring an answer was the technical condition of the aircraft. Investigators established that at the time of the crash, the plane was performing its second flight of the day. Despite the high load, experts found no remarks regarding the technical condition of the machine.
According to the SBI report, all necessary official documentation was completed strictly in accordance with established requirements. This rules out the version that the flight was made with a faulty or unverified aircraft.
Crew identity and refutation of rumors
During the investigation, investigators also addressed the version regarding the ejection of one of the crew members. The SBI officially stated that this information is false. Both servicemen died as a result of the disaster.
To confirm the identities of the deceased, a DNA test was conducted. The test results confirmed that Major Bohdan Zahorulko and Senior Lieutenant Oleksandr Babenko were in the cockpit. Their identities have been identified beyond doubt.
Condition of the pilots before takeoff
SBI officers conducted talks with the unit command, colleagues, and family members of the deceased. Witnesses confirmed that the day before the flight, both servicemen underwent mandatory medical examination. At the time of the check, they did not complain about their well-being and were in good spirits.
Colleagues characterize the deceased as professional military personnel who were respected within the collective. During the interviews, no problems in family life or personal conflicts that could affect the performance of the combat mission were identified.
Mission details and next steps
It has been established that the pilots were performing a combat mission, however, details of the operation are not currently disclosed in the interests of national security. In parallel with the work of the SBI, the command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is conducting its own internal investigation.
After the completion of internal checks, an independent aviation-technical expert examination will be conducted, which should finally establish the causes and circumstances of the tragedy in the Shepetivka district.