ANN Reader Peter Voinovich, who lives near the scene of the sensational "wedding shoot-down," has what he tells us is a little more information -- and it sounds a little more plausible, too:

I am 20 years old and a pilot (currently holding PPL and glider ratings, and continuing towards the CPL).

The bizarre crash story is a typical media-fuss and sensationalism story.

The entire event was something like this: [Peter says this account is, "roughly 80% true." Sure sounds like an improvement to us! --ed.]

Two pilots were flying under VFR out of Kraljevo airfield (150km SE of Belgrade). The most important fact is that we now understand they did not have authorization for that flight -- no flight plan -- and they didn't even contact the tower during the entire flight.

Also, it has been reported that neither of them had a pilot's license (of any kind)! The PF [pilot flying] had some glider experience but no pilot license.

During the flight they saw flames near the left wing fuel tank and initiated a forced field landing. As they descended, the fire spread and when they crash-landed (successfully at that point) the cockpit area was in flames.

A few man who were close to the crash site (and who, as they approached, found out that they actually knew the pilots) got them out and suffered serious burns in the process themselves. The two rescuers are still in the hospital with critical burn injuries.

...but the "shoot-down" story sounds so much better!

Later, the investigators examined the entire a/c and found NO BULLET HOLES! So the accidental shooting theory was rejected (but not by the media of course). The key witness said that he saw people shooting as they were celebrating the wedding and saw the a/c overflying at the same time. So, apparently, he alone conceived the "shoot-down theory." The investigators have now dismissed that and said the probable cause was pilot error (a very soft statement).

The whole thing is very bizarre in every respect. Naturally it is still under investigation.The plane hit some power lines near the crash site; that and in-flight engine failure are in consideration -- but not by the thrill-searching media.

In the attachment is a photo of the a/c in question. [We couldn't clear copyright, so we couldn't show it to you; it's here  --ed.] You can clearly see the blown-out left wing fuel tank. In the distance (some 10 feet away) you can see the gas truck parked in front of a gas station. They were VERY lucky!

Peter added, "The a/c is an Utva-75. First conceived and used as the Air Force initial screen 180hp [Lyc IO-360] two seat piston trainer. It's used in GA as well."

[Thank you very much, Peter, for the update. The original story seemed too amazing to be true, especially since the alleged ground fire didn't hit the pilots... and don't yell at us about the toy guns, please --ed.]

FMI: www.vojska.net/military/equipment/aircraft/utva-75/default.asp