Law enforcement officers found the flight recorder of the fighter jet that crashed on August 10, 2026, while carrying out a combat mission in Odesa region’s Berezivskyi district, UNN reports, citing the State Bureau of Investigation.
"The black box" sustained thermal damage as a result of the fire. Specialists are currently working to restore it and retrieve data about the final minutes of the flight
The investigation is considering several versions of the causes of the aviation incident. None of them has been definitively confirmed so far.
The investigation is under the personal control of the Director of the State Bureau of Investigation.
"We will make every necessary effort to establish objectively and as fully as possible the causes of this aviation incident. The investigation must provide a clear answer as to exactly what happened during the combat mission and what factors led to it. None of the versions will be dismissed without thorough verification," Oleksii Sukhachov emphasized.
In particular, investigators are examining the technical condition of the missile that the pilot launched at an enemy drone, as well as whether it was fit for use at the time of launch.
Investigators are also checking compliance with the rules for preparing for the flight, conducting it, and operating the aircraft. The fighter jet’s wreckage, materials from the scene, and servicemen’s testimony are being examined.
SBI is investigating the crash of a MiG-29 in Odesa region - photo released11.08.26, 11:48
To recap
On the evening of August 10, a MiG-29 of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was carrying out a combat mission to destroy enemy drones. An emergency situation occurred, the aircraft caught fire, and the pilot lost control.
The pilot managed to eject. His life is not in danger.
In connection with the air crash, criminal proceedings were initiated under Part 2 of Article 416 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — violation of flight rules or rules for preparing for them, as well as rules for operating aircraft, which caused a crash.
The pretrial investigation is ongoing.