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Ukrainian Su-27UB down - both pilots killed


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Hmm, page as it comes up for me here is showing text which is not a confirmation,

EDIT: I mean confirmation of a fatality.

Quote

 

**UPDATE**

We have seen reports claiming a U.S. casualty and can confirm a U.S. service member was involved in this incident. It is currently under investigation and we will continue to provide more information as it becomes available.

 

 

Edited by southwestforests
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The most current release I've seen (linked in the above TheDrive.com article) confirms that there was indeed a American fatality along with the Ukrainian.

 

 

Quote

A Ukrainian Su-27UB fighter aircraft crashed yesterday at approximately 5 p.m. local time during exercise Clear Sky 2018 in the Khmelnytskyi region, Ukraine. One U.S. service member and one Ukrainian service member died in the crash.


The U.S. service member involved in the crash was a member of the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard, Fresno, California. The Airman was taking part in a single-aircraft familiarization flight with a Ukrainian counterpart. No other aircraft were involved in the incident. The identity of the service member is being withheld for 24 hours pending next of kin notification.
 

"This is a sad day for the United States and Ukraine," said Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, California ANG commander and Clear Sky exercise director. "Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and fellow Airmen of both the U.S. Airman and Ukrainian aviator who were killed in the incident."

Exercise Clear Sky 2018 is a joint and multinational exercise that involves approximately 950 personnel from nine nations, including Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of collaboration between the California ANG and Ukraine as part of U.S. European Command’s State Partnership Program. This program has been successfully building relationships with our partners and allies in over 75 nations around the globe.

The U.S. and Ukrainian governments are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. More information will be released as it becomes available.

 

Edited by Raceaddict
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15 minutes ago, foxmulder_ms said:

What is the back story on this? I didnt know USAF men were flying in flankers. 

Because they were taking Part in Excercise Clear Sky 2018.

 

American Pilot Killed During "Clear Sky 2018" Joint Exercises In Ukraine | Zero Hedge
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-10-16/american-pilot-killed-during-clear-sky-2018-joint-exercises-ukraine

 

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Unfortunately, in most fighter fatalities where aircrew don’t eject, it has nothing to do with the severity of the incident, or any failure of the escape system.  In most cases, ejection is not attempted, or is initiated far too late for a successful egress.  I have not yet seen if these folks attempted to eject, but it is highly probable they did not.

 

Tragic loss,particularly poignant since it took place in a partnership exercise.

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On ‎10‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 3:30 PM, foxmulder_ms said:

I didnt know USAF men were flying in flankers. 

 

That started happening back in the 1990s when Russian Flankers visited Langley AFB.

 

Regards,

Murph

Edited by Murph
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