Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

UPDATED: Two pilots killed as military plane crashes while training for air show

Graf Ignatievo Air Base
Photo: BTA

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov has cancelled the air show at the Graf Ignatievo Air Base after an L-39 ZA military transport plane crashed, the Defence Ministry said.

The accident occurred during preparations for tomorrow's demonstrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria's accession to NATO

The L-39 trainer crashed at the Graf Ignatyevo airbase while performing a complex manoeuvre at extremely low altitude. The two pilots had no reaction time for ejection. They were killed in the crash. An investigation is under way. Measures have been taken to locate the fires and determine the causes of the accident. 

Earlier today, President Rumen Radev took part as co-pilot in a demonstration flight of an F-16 fighter jet at the airbase at the invitation of the US Air Force.

As a sign of respect for the fallen pilots, three days of mourning have been announced in the formations of the armed forces, it was reported.

The L-39 trainer aircraft has been in service in Bulgaria since 1994, when Bulgaria received 36 aircraft from Czechoslovakia, of which only 6 were flying as of 2014. They have been undergoing repairs in the Bulgarian military-industrial complex, BNT reported.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria proposes amendments to the Electoral Code

We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria has submitted a bill to amend the Electoral Code to ensure that the votes of Bulgarian citizens are counted according to their free will. "Because of the obvious shortcomings of the current practice and..

published on 1/7/25 1:32 PM

The National Guards to receive additional remuneration

Servicemen in the National Guard Unit will receive additional monthly remuneration in the amount of 102 euros when preparing for holding official ceremonies and military rituals, it has become clear from the State Gazette. For..

published on 1/7/25 11:15 AM

New baggage handling system to be installed at Sofia Airport

New equipment will ensure even faster, safer and more efficient baggage handling at Sofia Airport, the airport has reported. The system has already been delivered and preparations for its installation are underway. The system..

published on 1/7/25 10:34 AM