Instructor and Pilot Killed, Air Show Canceled

A Bulgarian Air Force Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros went down during rehearsal at Graf Ignatievo Air Base on September 13. They were practicing low-altitude maneuvers in preparation for the upcoming air show, which has been called off in light of the fatal accident.

Bulgaria took its first delivery of the high-performance, two-seater jet trainer in 1986. Since then, it has had a total of 36 in its fleet. Most have been decommissioned, leaving between four and six in service. The L-39ZA involved in the accident had been recently restored.

The Albatros was reportedly performing a complex maneuver at an extremely low altitude when it crashed, which left the pilots unable to eject from the aircraft in time. Both crew members on board, Major Petko Dimitrov Dimitrov and Senior Lieutenant Ventsislav Atanasov Dunkin, were killed on impact. It is unknown if other injuries were suffered at this time.

"When such an incident happens, an investigation is launched immediately. All measures have been taken to contain the fire. An investigation is underway and more information can be given once the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident are clarified," said Evelina Branimirova, a media adviser to the Defense Ministry.

An air show was planned to be held on September 14 at the Graf Ignatievo air base. It would celebrate 20 years since Bulgaria had been admitted to NATO, and 35 years since the MiG-29 began service with the Bulgarian Air Force. Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov canceled the air show a day prior to allow further investigation at the scene.

“Given that these airmen made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, I will declare tomorrow a day of mourning for the armed forces. Flags will be flown at half-mast to honor their memory,” stated Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov.

FMI: www.aero.cz