F-16 plane crash investigation results to be unveiled soon – Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi
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The findings of the investigation into the F–16 plane crash are expected to be revealed soon. Despite the tragedy, the effectiveness of these military aircraft has already been demonstrated through their performance.
The Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated this in an interview with CNN.
Syrskyi stressed that the F-16 pilots had been prepared regarding the aircraft accident.
They received training at educational institutions of Kyiv's allies, and specifically, the most skilled pilots with prior experience in efficient aircraft usage were chosen for this mission.
He mentioned that a special Ministry of Defense committee is investigating the F-16 plane accident and anticipates revealing its findings soon.
"The results of the investigation will be shared with everyone shortly. On the one hand, we are not going to hide it. On the other hand, the effectiveness of the use of these aircraft is proven by the results – the destruction of four cruise missiles by a pair of F-16s. Hence, it certainly will strengthen our defense capability, first of all, in the fight against enemy cruise missiles," Syrskyi added.
For reference:
The American Wall Street Journal was the first to report the loss of the F-16 fighter, citing an unnamed American official.
Journalists wrote that preliminary data indicate that the plane was not shot down by enemy fire, although the incident occurred during a massive Russian missile attack on August 26.
Subsequently, the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces confirmed the F-16 disaster. It was said that American fighter jets demonstrated their effectiveness by shooting down four cruise missiles on August 26.
However, during the approach to the target, they lost contact with one of the planes. Later, it turned out that the plane crashed, and the pilot died.
The name of the dead pilot was not mentioned on the website of the General Staff. However, according to the Air Force, pilot Oleksii Mes died that day after destroying three cruise missiles and one attack drone.
The WSJ also reported on Oleksii Mes's death. The publication stated that his callsign was Moonfish, and he was among the initial Ukrainian pilots to receive F–16 training.
A special commission of the Ministry of Defense works to find out the causes of the accident in the region of the plane crash.
According to The New York Times, officials from the USA believe it is unlikely that the F–16 fighter jet in Ukraine was shot down by fire from the Patriot system.
