2 Ukrainian warplanes collide mid-air, 3 pilots dead

KYIV

Two Ukrainian warplanes collided in mid-air while on combat duty, resulting in the deaths of three pilots, authorities said on Saturday.

The crash occurred in the country's Zhytomyr region on Friday, said a statement by the Ukrainian Air Force Command.

"While performing the combat mission, two L-39 type fighter jets collided in the sky. Unfortunately, three pilots died," the statement said.

It also noted that a well-known pilot of the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade was among the dead pilots and that an investigation had been launched into the accident.