American, Ukrainian Pilots Die in Training Accident
The United States Air Force has confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Seth Nehring, a fighter pilot from the California Air National Guard’s 194th Fighter Squadron, was killed in a training accident in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region.
The United States Air Force has confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Seth Nehring, a fighter pilot from the California Air National Guard’s 194th Fighter Squadron, was killed in a training accident in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region.
"This is a sad day for the United States and Ukraine," said Major General Clay Garrison, California National Guard commander and the director of the Clear Sky 2018 exercises.
The SU-27 accident also killed Ukrainian pilot Colonel Ivan Petrenko, a deputy commander in Ukraine’s Air Force.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and fellow airmen of both the US airman and Ukrainian aviator who were killed in the incident,” Garrison said.
Nehring was an experienced pilot with over 20 years of flight experience with the California National Guard and the US Air Force.
The SU-27 is a Soviet-built fourth generation fighter jet. As of 2017, the Ukrainian Air Force had 35 units.
The accident is being investigated by officials from both the United States and Ukraine.
A full press release by the US Air Force can be found here.
/By LP Luo