The State Investigation Bureau of Ukraine has opened a criminal case following the midair collision involving two L-39 fighter trainer aircraft over the Zhytomyr region. The development was announced through an official Telegram channel, signaling the start of a formal investigation into the incident and its aftermath.
The case is being pursued under the charge of Violation of flight rules or preparation for them. Authorities have directed attention to two key aspects: the technical condition of the aircraft involved and whether proper flight preparation procedures were observed prior to the event. The bureau is coordinating with regional aviation authorities to gather evidence, review maintenance records, and assess compliance with established flight protocols. This process aims to establish a clear sequence of events and determine if any breaches of safety rules occurred before or during the incident.
Earlier reports indicated that one of the planes involved belonged to a Siberian airline and was operating from an Irkutsk airport. The incident was linked to an encounter with a flock of birds, a hazard that is known to pose significant risks to aviation safety during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and initial climb. The Telegram channel attributed to the East Siberian Transport Prosecutor’s Office conveyed these preliminary details and confirmed the timing of the event. The focus remains on understanding how wildlife hazards were managed by the flight crew and what mitigation measures, if any, were in place at the time of departure.
Initial information suggests that flight 6329, en route from Irkutsk to Yakutsk, encountered a flock shortly after commencing takeoff. In response to the bird strike, the flight crew made the decision to abort the takeoff and safely return the aircraft to the runway area for parking and postflight checks. The choice to halt the takeoff reflects standard safety procedures designed to minimize potential damage and ensure passenger safety in scenarios where bird strikes occur during critical phases of flight. The incident underscores the importance of robust wildlife management and ready access to emergency procedures as critical elements of safe aviation operations.
There were 124 passengers on board at the time of the aborted takeoff. At this stage, authorities report no casualties, and the medical screening of passengers and crew is proceeding as part of routine safety follow ups. Investigators are reviewing cabin crew communications, passenger manifest data, and flight deck recordings to corroborate the sequence of actions taken during the incident and to identify any contributing factors that could influence future prevention strategies. Safety experts emphasize that protecting travelers involves a combination of rigorous aircraft maintenance scrutiny, effective flight crew training, and proactive wildlife hazard assessment along common flight corridors.
Meanwhile, technical teams are conducting a comprehensive assessment of the aircraft involved to determine the extent of any damage and to verify airworthiness in the wake of the event. This evaluation includes structural inspection, engine and avionics checks, and a review of the aircraft’s bird strike resilience as part of ongoing safety assurance efforts. The results will inform decisions about return-to-service timelines and any required maintenance actions before the aircraft resumes operations. The investigation is expected to produce a detailed report outlining the facts, findings, and recommendations to strengthen safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In related Ukrainian aviation safety updates, attention continues to be given to safeguarding flight operations against animal intrusion and other external hazards. Analysts note the importance of coordinated efforts among airlines, airport authorities, and aviation regulators to implement preventive measures. These include enhanced wildlife management around airports, improved radar and bird-detection systems, and reinforced collaboration on incident reporting and rapid corrective actions. The ongoing inquiry in this case, along with parallel reviews elsewhere, contributes to a broader safety framework intended to protect passengers and crew while maintaining efficient and reliable air travel across the region.
Throughout this process, the public will receive official summaries of findings and any changes to procedures that result from the investigation. The bureau reiterates its commitment to transparency and systematic accountability in all steps of the inquiry, with the aim of preserving high safety standards for every flight. The evolving situation will continue to be monitored by investigators, aviation authorities, and relevant agencies as more information becomes available and formal conclusions are drawn by the investigative team.