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 returns the remains of the Sarafovo bomber to Lebanon

Bulgaria is returning to Lebanon the remains of the terrorist who, in 2012, blew himself on a bus carrying Israeli tourists , BGNES reported. The terrorist attack took place at Sarafovo Airport—the deadliest attack on Israelis abroad since 2004. In the..

published on 4/10/25 6:33 PM

Parliament approves at first reading three draft amendments to the Family Code

Bulgaria’s National Assembly approved at first reading three draft amendments to the Family Code. GERB-SDS propose introducing the possibility of shared parenting in cases of divorce, with the court ruling also addressing the issue of the child’s..

published on 4/10/25 6:01 PM

Bulgaria is a key player in the region's energy transition, says energy minister

Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov attended the tenth edition of the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece. "Bulgaria is a reliable partner in the region's energy transformation and security," he said during his speech at the panel "Addressing Energy Regional..

published on 4/10/25 5:42 PM