Two Bulgarian Pilots Killed in Training Crash

Two Bulgarian pilot instructors, Major Petko Dimitrov and Senior Lieutenant Ventsislav Dunkin, tragically lost their lives in a crash of an L-39ZA training aircraft at the Graf Ignatievo air base during a routine flight ahead of a military air show. The incident occurred at 12:30 p.m. on September 13, leading to the cancellation of the planned air show for the following day, which was to commemorate Bulgaria's NATO membership anniversary. Both pilots were highly regarded, with Dimitrov being one of the most experienced in the L-39 aircraft and Dunkin considered a rising talent. Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov and Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway, with a day of mourning declared for the Armed Forces. The tragic event unfolded shortly after a demonstration flight involving Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, a former Air Force commander.