US-made F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes in Ukraine, Pilot Error Cited in Preliminary Investigation

A US-made F-16 fighter jet crashed on August 26, resulting in the death of its pilot, Oleksiy Mes, during a significant Russian aerial assault on Ukraine. The incident occurred while Russia launched over 200 missiles and drones targeting civilian and energy facilities. The crash is believed to be the first reported loss of an F-16 in Ukraine, where at least six of the warplanes have been delivered. Ukrainian Defense Forces do not suspect pilot error as the cause of the crash, and an investigation is underway, with international experts to be involved. The incident occurred during a large-scale bombardment by Russia, which has also resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people this week.