Tragic Training Flight Crash in Bulgaria Kills Two Instructors

Two pilot instructors lost their lives in Bulgaria during a training flight crash involving an L-39ZA aircraft at the Graf Ignatievo air base. The crash prompted the cancellation of a military air show meant to celebrate Bulgaria's 20th NATO anniversary, and an investigation is ongoing.

Two pilot instructors were killed during a training flight crash in Bulgaria on Friday. The incident occurred at the Graf Ignatievo air base, ahead of a military air show scheduled for the next day, according to Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev.

The crash happened at 12:30 (0930 GMT) and involved an L-39ZA advanced training aircraft. Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirmed the fatalities and the defence ministry announced an investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The international air show, planned to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Bulgaria's NATO membership, was canceled. Earlier that day, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, a former Air Force commander, co-piloted an F-16 aircraft at the same base.

(With inputs from agencies.)