When a low-level maneuver went awry during an air show near Lviv, Ukraine, in 2002, the two pilots safely ejected from their Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet, but the uncontrolled jet crashed into the crowd, killing 77 people in the world’s worst-ever air show disaster. Last week, a military court sentenced the jet’s pilot to 14 years in prison, with eight years for the co-pilot, CNN reported. An investigation found the pilots had tried to complete a maneuver at too low an altitude. Three other military personnel involved with the show also got prison terms. More than two dozen children were among the victims of the crash.
…As Ukraine Pilots Get Jail Time For Air Show Crash
Key Takeaways:
- A 2002 air show in Lviv, Ukraine, ended in tragedy when a Sukhoi Su-27 crashed, killing 77 (including over two dozen children).
- The crash, the world's worst air show disaster, resulted from a low-altitude maneuver gone wrong.
- Both pilots ejected safely but were later sentenced to prison: 14 years for the pilot and 8 years for the co-pilot.
- Three additional military personnel received prison sentences for their involvement in the incident.
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