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

Bulgaria and Great Britain are partners in combatting illegal immigration

President Rumen Radev expressed his appreciation of Great Britain’s support for Bulgaria in guarding the EU’s external borders. President Radev met with the British ambassador to Bulgaria Nathaniel Copsey, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports...

published on 8/1/25 10:31 AM

Millionth passenger for 2025 welcomed at Burgas airport

Burgas airport welcomed its millionth passenger this summer season with an official ceremony. Steffi Kruspe, who landed on 31 July from Leipzig, said this was her first time in Bulgari and she would be spending one week in Nessebar with her family...

published on 8/1/25 9:40 AM

August begins with warmer weather and rain showers in the mountainous areas

On Friday, the lowest temperatures will range from 14°C to 22°C, 16°C in Sofia. During the day, it will be mostly sunny over the northwestern and far eastern parts of the country. Cloud cover will be significant in the rest of the country and..

published on 7/31/25 6:45 PM