Ukraine mourns the death of three pilots as a result of the collision of two L-39 aircraft during a training flight. One of the dead policemen is Captain Andrii Pilshchikov, the same one whose call sign “SIK” became famous during the war and who was an active advocate of Ukraine in the issue of obtaining F-16s from Western countries.

Mural of the fighter pilot “Ghost of Kyiv”Photo: SOPA Images / Sipa Press / Profimedia

“Tragic loss. On August 25, two L-39 military aircraft collided in the sky over the Zhytomyr region. Three pilots of the Air Force of Ukraine were killed. One of them was captain Andrii Pilshchikov, who was awarded the Order “For Courage” III degree, known as “SIK”. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We are grateful to them for their services. They are remembered both in heaven and on earth,” the Ministry of Defense in Kyiv reported.

The circumstances of the fatal collision of two L-39 training aircraft have not yet been disclosed.

“Sik” would deserve to fly on an F-16 over Ukraine

Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said that Pylshchikov “dreamed of an F-16 in Ukrainian skies” and did a great job with it.

“A year ago in the USA, Andrei met with US government officials, spoke about the urgent needs of the Air Force, was in constant contact with California pilots, was the main driver of the rights protection group that promoted many decisions regarding the F-16. During the war, he gave dozens of interviews Western mass media, because he knew English well, and most importantly, he knew the topic of conversation, what can and should be said for Ukraine! You can’t even imagine how much he wanted to fly on the F-16…” Ignat said, reports Pravda.com.ua.

“Andrii Pilshchikov was not only a pilot, he was a young officer with mega knowledge and mega talent. He was an excellent communicator, was the engine of reforms in Air Force aviation, participated in many projects. I have supported his crazy ideas many times, which have produced incredible results!” the spokesperson added.

Andriy “Jus” Pilshikov was a MiG-29 fighter pilot and from the first days of the Russian invasion took an active part in numerous air battles. especially in defensive battles for the capital city of Kyiv.