• 11/10/2024

US involved in investigation, we will find out reasons – Ukraine’s Air Force Commander on F-16 crash

Pravda Ukraine

Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, has stated that the causes of the F-16 fighter jet crash will be established, and the investigation with the participation of American partners is ongoing.

Source: Oleshchuk on social media

Quote: “The horrific crash of the F-16 fighter jet, piloted by one of the best Ukrainian fighter jet pilots, Oleksii Mes, shook the whole world.

On 26 August 2024, on the day of the largest Russian attack on Ukraine, we lost a skilled pilot, we lost an F-16, but we did not lose our humanity and faith in victory.

Of course, we will find out the causes of the plane crash.”

Details: Oleshchuk noted that the top Ukrainian leadership had immediately received a report on the crash. A preliminary report was received, and Ukraine’s partners from the United States joined the investigation.

Oleshchuk added that a detailed analysis and investigation are already being conducted.

Quote: “We must thoroughly investigate what happened, what were the circumstances and who is responsible. And it will be done. The information about such incidents cannot be released to the public right away, and the details cannot be revealed for the media. The country is at war!”

Background:

  • On 29 August, a number of Western media outlets cited sources as saying that an F-16 fighter jet had crashed in Ukraine on 26 August.
  • On 26 August, pilot Oleksii Mes was killed while repelling a large-scale Russian combined missile and drone strike. CNN, citing a source in the Ukrainian military, reported that Mes, who went by the alias Moonfish, was killed in the F-16 fighter jet crash.
  • Later, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine officially acknowledged that an F-16 fighter jet had crashed while repelling a Russian missile attack. The pilot was killed.
  • Ukrainian Service of the Voice of America, citing an unnamed representative of Ukraine’s Air Force, reported that the Ukrainian military command is considering different lines of inquiry into the F-16 fighter jet crash, including “friendly fire” from Ukrainian air defences.

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https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/08/30/7472669/