Investigators probing the crash of a Su-24M frontline bomber in the Khmelnytskyi region have questioned witnesses and received the results of DNA examinations.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) announced this, according to Ukrinform.
The SBI investigators continue to establish all the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two service members in the aircraft crash that occurred in the Khmelnytskyi region on June 16.
According to investigators, the flight was the aircraft's second mission of the day. Technical personnel from the military unit found no issues with the aircraft's condition either before its first sortie or before the second takeoff. All required service documentation had been completed in accordance with established procedures.
The investigation has confirmed that the pilots were carrying out a combat mission, the details of which are known to investigators. However, this information is not being disclosed for national security reasons.
The investigation also refuted reports circulated online claiming that one of the pilots had ejected. According to the SBI, those reports are false.
As part of the investigation, dozens of witnesses have been questioned, including relatives of the deceased, military commanders, and fellow service members. Witnesses said that both airmen underwent the required medical examination before the flight, had no health complaints, and were in good spirits. The SBI described them as professional servicemen who were highly respected by their colleagues, adding that investigators found no family-related issues that could be relevant to the case.
According to the findings of molecular genetic examinations, the DNA of the deceased has been identified, confirming the identities of both service members.
An internal investigation by the command of the Ukrainian Air Force is ongoing. Once it is completed, an independent aviation technical examination will be commissioned.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted under Part 2 of Article 416 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (violation of flight regulations or flight preparation procedures resulting in a crash or other grave consequences).
As reported by Ukrinform, at around 19:00 on June 16, a Su-24M frontline bomber of the 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade named after Petro Franko of the Ukrainian Air Force crashed in the Khmelnytskyi region. Both crew members were killed.
