Ukrainian Air Force: Pilot Dies in MiG-29 Crash

The Ukrainian Air Force announced that a 46-year-old pilot was killed when a MiG-29 fighter jet crashed during landing. The incident reportedly occurred on the night of 22–23 August 2025.

Tragic Accident on Return from Mission

In an official statement on its Telegram channel, the Ukrainian Air Force said:

“On the night of 23 August, while approaching to land after completing a combat mission, the pilot of a MiG-29 fighter jet, Major Serhii Bondar, born in 1979, was killed.”

Officials stated that the exact location of the crash has not been disclosed and that a special commission has been set up to investigate the cause of the incident.

Third Aircraft Loss in Two Months

This marks Ukraine’s third military aircraft loss in the past two months.

On 29 June, an F-16 fighter jet was shot down after being damaged while repelling a Russian attack, killing the pilot.

In July, a Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jet crashed, though the pilot successfully ejected to safety.