17.09.2024 10:41
A military L-39ZA Albatros aircraft crashed before a military air show in Bulgaria. Experienced Captain Petko Dimitrov and young Lieutenant Ventsislav Dunkin lost their lives. The footage shows the plane losing power while flipping over, and the pilot's rescue efforts can be seen. Defense Minister Zapryanov canceled the show and initiated an investigation. The Air Force Commander stated that the pilots were experienced and had been preparing for months. September 15 was declared a day of mourning.
Before a military air show in Bulgaria, a tragic accident occurred. An L-39ZA Albatros type fighter jet lost control during an acrobatic show and crashed to the ground, turning into a massive fireball. In the accident, Captain Petko Dimitrov, one of the country's most experienced pilots, and Senior Lieutenant Ventsislav Dunkin, a promising young pilot, lost their lives.
In footage captured by witnesses, the plane can be seen attempting a somersault maneuver before suddenly losing power and the pilot desperately trying to save the aircraft. However, these efforts were in vain, and the plane crashed to the ground with a loud noise.
Major General Dimitar Petrov, the Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, stated after the accident, "The pilots we lost were exceptional and exemplary pilots with exceptional experience, and they had been preparing for this show for months." Petrov also declared September 15 as a day of mourning in the armed forces.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced the cancellation of the planned air show and the initiation of a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the accident.
This tragic accident highlights the risks of air shows once again and is considered a significant loss for the Bulgarian Air Force. Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast in memory of the fallen pilots.