On June 16, a tragedy occurred in the skies over Khmelnytskyi Oblast. A Ukrainian military aircraft crashed within the region. Information about the incident was provided by sources from RBC-Ukraine.

Although initial data regarding the type of aircraft was vague, local Telegram channels and subsequent official statements clarified the situation. It concerns a Su-24M frontline bomber that was carrying out a combat mission. The incident took place in the Shepetivka area.

Chronology of the incident and witness reactions

Local residents witnessed the tragedy. First, the sound of an operating engine was heard in the sky, which was soon followed by a loud explosion. Videos, presumably filmed from the site of the aircraft's fall, have already appeared on social media.

The first reports in Telegram channels were contradictory: some sources indicated a possible MiG-29 fighter jet crash, while others pointed to a Su-24 bomber. However, confirmation came from the command of the Air Force of Ukraine.

Casualties and official data

Unfortunately, the bomber's crew did not survive. The Air Force of Ukraine officially confirmed the death of two servicemen:

  • Major Bohdan Hryhorovych Zaharulko
  • Senior Lieutenant Bohdan Oleksandrovych Babenko

The crashed aircraft belonged to the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade named after Petro Franko. At this time, specialists are determining the exact causes and circumstances of the disaster.

Context of aviation incidents

This is not the first military aircraft crash during the full-scale war. Aviation incidents, unfortunately, have become part of the harsh reality of the conflict:

  • August 2023: In Zhytomyr Oblast, two L-39 training aircraft collided. Three experienced pilots from the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade died: Andriy Pylyshchiv (callsign "Jus"), Vyacheslav Minka, and Serhiy Prokazin.
  • August 2024: During the repulsion of a massive attack, an F-16 fighter jet crashed. Pilot Oleksiy Mes (callsign "Munfish"), who was one of the first Ukrainians to master this type of equipment, died.

Earlier this week, a tragedy also occurred outside Ukraine. In the USA, a B-52 Stratofortress strategic nuclear bomber crashed. The aircraft hit the ground almost immediately after takeoff.