Defence Minister Zapryanov: The black box of the crashed L-39 aircraft has been found

The black box of the crashed L-39 aircraft has been found, caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov told BNT on September 13.

Two pilots died in the military aircraft crash at "Graf Ignatievo" air base

"We will read the black box. This is a complex approach. In addition to what the investigators will analyse fromthe black box, they will look into all the preparations for conducting this flight. Let's wait for the conclusions from the investigation."

Military aircraft crashed during air show rehearsal at Graf Ignatievo air base (video) - update

Two main hypotheses of the tragic incident are being investigated - a technical problem or pilot error. A technical check of the plane was carried out before the flight:

"A plane cannot take off without the technicians checking it. Let's see what the investigation will say, because things often happen when everything is fine. A technical error has not been ruled out, but another hypothesis - pilot error - is also being investigated," Zapryanov explained.

The plane that crashed had undergone upgrades in the Czech Republic and has been in flight since June, logging almost 65 flight hours. Experts concluded that the plane was "almost as good as new" after the repair.

The caretaker minister confirmed that the exercise performed by the two pilots had been done many times at Dolna Mitropolia air base and the pilots were outstanding professionals.

"At the moment I cannot accuse anyone, pre-trial proceedings are underway. Let's wait until the investigation finishes and then we will officially announce information."

Zapryanov described the incident as a heavy blow for him:

"For my short term as caretaker minister, I have been appealing daily to Parliament, politicians, the public to support us (for the modernisation of the army - ed. note). Parliament has already made a decision on pay, capital expenditure has increased, but we cannot replace equipment in one day."

Zapryanov expressed his condolences to the families of the pilots and assured that he would do everything in his power to help them.