Jet crash at Graf Ignatievo Air Base kills top pilots before airshow

On September 13, a tragic incident occurred at the Graf Ignatievo Air Base in Bulgaria, where a jet crashed during a training exercise just before a scheduled military airshow. The aircraft, identified as an L-39ZA Albatros, was performing acrobatic maneuvers when it attempted a loop-the-loop stunt. Unfortunately, the pilot lost power, leading to a catastrophic failure as the plane plummeted to the ground, resulting in a massive explosion and fireball. Both pilots, Major Petko Dimitrov and Senior Lieutenant Ventsislav Dunkin, died instantly due to the low altitude of the aircraft, which left them no time to eject. The Bulgarian Air Force Commander, Major General Dimitar Petrov, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two highly skilled pilots, noting their extensive experience and preparation for the flight. In honor of their sacrifice, he declared September 15 a day of mourning within the armed forces, with flags to be lowered in memory of the fallen. The Defence Minister, Atanas Zapryanov, announced the cancellation of the airshow and confirmed that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the crash. Local media reported that the incident shocked onlookers, with footage capturing the moment of the crash and the subsequent fire. The airbase was set to host significant aviation demonstrations, marking Bulgaria's 20th anniversary of NATO membership and the 35th anniversary of the MiG-29's service. Military prosecutors and investigators, along with the Military Police Service, are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the accident, aiming to provide clarity on this devastating event that claimed the lives of two promising pilots.