Photo: dbr.gov.ua
Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has released new details in its investigation into the crash of a Ukrainian Su-24M bomber in the Khmelnytskyi region on June 16. Investigators have already questioned witnesses and received the results of DNA examinations.
According to the SBI, the ill-fated flight was the aircraft’s second mission of the day. Investigators found no technical issues with the bomber before takeoff, and all maintenance and operational documentation had been completed in accordance with regulations.
The crew was carrying out a combat mission, though officials are withholding further details for national security reasons. The bureau also dismissed reports claiming that one of the pilots had ejected, describing them as false information.
Investigators have interviewed the victims’ families, military commanders and fellow servicemen. Witnesses said both crew members underwent the required medical examinations before the flight, reported no health concerns and appeared to be in good spirits.
Colleagues described the two servicemen as highly professional officers who were widely respected within the military. Investigators also found no family-related issues that could have contributed to the incident.
DNA testing has officially confirmed the identities of the two fallen servicemen.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Air Force is conducting its own internal inquiry. Once that process is completed, an independent aviation technical examination will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.
The Su-24M crashed in the Shepetivka district of the Khmelnytskyi region on June 16, killing pilot Major Bohdan Zaharulko and navigator Senior Lieutenant Oleksandr Babenko. No civilians were injured. The aircraft’s flight recorder was recovered and sent for analysis the following day, while separate investigations were launched by both the Air Force and the SBI. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
