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

Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov

Bulgaria can be gateway for American gas to Europe

Bulgaria and the EU's phase-out of Russian natural gas is linked to a very long process. This was what Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov told bTV. "Back in May, European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen launched an initiative according to..

published on 9/29/25 10:27 AM

Bulgaria to buy anti-drone system with EU loan

Bulgaria will have its own anti-drone systems. They will be purchased by the Ministry of Defence with a loan under the European SAFE instrument. This became clear from a written response by Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov to a..

published on 9/29/25 9:25 AM

Minister of Social Affairs is against raising taxes in 2026

I do not think that any taxes should be raised, Minister of Social Affairs Borislav Gutsanov has told BNT. “The situation of people is already difficult enough without an additional burden on the family budget,” the Minister said,..

published on 9/29/25 8:50 AM