A member of the U.S. Air Force was killed Tuesday while riding in the back seat of a Ukrainian fighter jet that crashed while taking part in an exercise, the military announced on Wednesday. The Ukrainian pilot was also killed.
The U.S. airman, who has not yet been identified while family members are notified, was taking part in a “familiarization flight” during the multinational exercise in Ukraine, according to a statement from U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
The incident involved only the Ukrainian Su-27UB, and no other aircraft were involved. The U.S. and Ukrainian governments are investigating the cause of the crash.
The U.S. airman was a member of the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard, based in Fresno.
“This is a sad day for the United States and Ukraine,” said Maj. Gen. Clay Garrison, California Air National Guard commander and director of the two-week Clear Sky exercise. “Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and fellow Airmen of both the U.S. Airman and Ukrainian aviator who were killed in the incident.”
