SBI investigating abnormal firing of a missile as cause of MiG-29 crash in Odesa region

Verification of versions regarding the cause of the aviation incident

The State Bureau of Investigations continues to establish the circumstances of the MiG-29 fighter jet crash that occurred in Odesa region in August this year. As reported by the law enforcement agency's press service, one of the versions under consideration is the abnormal firing of a missile.

Investigation's position and the need for expert examinations

The SBI emphasised that the command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has already completed its internal service investigation into this tragedy. However, in accordance with current legislation, conclusions regarding the possible cause of the accident require additional confirmation within the framework of criminal proceedings.

«Однією з версій причин авіаційної події в ній названо позаштатне знос керованої ракети. Водночас. згідно із законодавством, ця версія вимагає підтвердження в рамках кримінального провадження та підтвердження відповідними експертизами» (One of the versions of the cause of the aviation incident cited in it is the abnormal wear of a guided missile. At the same time, in accordance with legislation, this version requires confirmation within the framework of criminal proceedings and confirmation by appropriate expert examinations), the SBI stated.

Progress of the pre-trial investigation

Investigators have already appointed a comprehensive expert examination. In particular, specialists are analysing data from the flight data recorder (the so-called "black box"). The SBI stressed that final conclusions regarding the cause of the catastrophe can only be formed after receiving the results of all planned expert examinations during the pre-trial investigation.