The slow entry speed into the figure causes aerobatics at critical angles of attack and shake angles, which is what happened in this case. Entry into the figure occurred with a minor shake. Entering the fatal figure with these parameters – a height of 68 meters and a speed of 455 km/h did not allow Dimitrov and Dunkin to gain a sufficient reserve of height that would allow them to finish it in the vertical plane.
This was stated by the Ministry of Defense in a briefing in which they disclosed the data from the investigation of the crash at “Graf Ignatievo” in which the pilots Petko Dimitrov and Ventsislav Dunkin died.
“The pilots crashed because of a wrong entry into the maneuver, they had a second and a half to eject,” announced Colonel Petko Vasilev, a state expert in the Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Department of the Military Police Service.
Human life is the most valuable capital for the Ministry of Defense, said Acting Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov. He noted that this investigation is independent of the judicial and pre-trial ones.
“Many times you ask me about resignations – you have the right to ask this question, because everyone must bear their responsibility, but the Ministry of Defense is not a court and does not pass judgments,” he emphasized, adding that there is no Armed Forces event that does not include safety measures.
Zapryanov is adamant that commanders must inspire respect and reliability.
“Once all the information is clear, then we will talk about personnel changes,” he also said, adding that he would announce his decisions very soon.
The investigation conducted by the Military Prosecutor’s Office continues.
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