Case of Ukrainian F-16 plane crash: SBI investigators continue examinations
The State Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the F-16 fighter jet crash that occurred on August 26, 2024, which led to the death of Ukrainian pilot Oleksii Mes (Moonfish).
The SBI reported this in response to an information request from hromadske, Censor.NET reports.
It is noted that 11 examinations are currently underway within the criminal proceedings, including engineering and transport, military, forensic, computer and technical (analysis of the flight data recorder) and commodity expertise.
The SBI added that final conclusions about the causes of the crash and the possible liability of officials can be made only after the examinations are completed and all the evidence collected is analyzed.
What preceded it?
On August 26, 2024, it became known that pilot Oleksii Mes, call sign "Moonfish," was killed while repelling a Russian missile attack.
On the evening of August 29, the General Staff confirmed the loss of an F-16 fighter jet during a Russian missile strike on Ukraine.
Representatives of the Ukrainian Air Force told on condition of anonymity that various versions are being considered, including "friendly fire" from their air defense systems, a technical malfunction, and pilot error.
Mariana Bezuhla, deputy head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, said that the F-16 fighter jet of Ukrainian pilot Oleksiy "Moonfish" Mes was shot down by a Patriot missile system due to discoordination between units.
