Polish Air Force jet fighter MiG-29 crashed on early Friday morning, in the village of Sakówko near Pasłęk (Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship). Pilot died despite ejecting himself out of the plane. The cause of the crash is still unknown.
Ministry of defense (MON) has issued a statement on its webpage saying that the crashed Mig-29 belonged to the 22nd Air Force Base.
According to MON, pilot ejected himself close to the village of Sakówko, some 18 kilometres from Malbork. The crashed plane has been found about 500 metres from the local buildings. Pilot didn't survive. "After 2:30 a.m., emergency medic confirmed the death of the pilot," reads the statement.
The ministry said that the pilot had "over 800 hours of flight experience, of which 500 in MiG-29, which was his combat aircraft." The pilot took part in Polish and international manouvres on many occassions.
The family of the pilot has been notified about the accident and offered psychological assistance.
The circumstances of the crash are under investigation conducted by the State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation.
According to local media, moments after the plane hit the ground, a large blaze and smoke were visible. Rescuers arrived at the crash site and military police secured the spot.
Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: tvn24