Ukraine's SBI investigates MiG-29 crash during combat mission in Odesa Oblast

Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation has launched an inquiry into the August 10 crash of a MiG-29 fighter jet during a combat mission in Odesa Oblast, according to a report on August 11. Officials stated that an incident occurred during the active phase of the operation, leading to the aircraft catching fire and the pilot losing control.

The pilot managed to eject from the plane, and his life is not currently in danger. The SBI inspected the crash site, gathered debris from the plane, and interviewed witnesses and military personnel. They are also searching for the aircraft's flight recorder, or "black box." The SBI will investigate whether flight preparation, flight operations, and aircraft operation rules were followed.

The case has been registered under Part 2 of Article 416 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, which deals with violations of flight preparation or operating rules resulting in a crash. On August 10, the Ukrainian Air Force announced the loss of a MiG-29 fighter jet in Odesa Oblast while carrying out a combat mission that night. The pilot successfully ejected and was taken to a medical facility.

In July, another incident occurred when an F-16 emergency occurred while intercepting Russian aerial targets, forcing the pilot to eject and the aircraft to crash. On June 27, contact was lost with a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet during a combat mission in Poltava Oblast; the pilot also ejected safely.