The Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) reported through a statement on Monday that regarding the accident of the Sukhoi 30 Mk2 plane acronym 3363, occurred yesterday July 2 of the current; The first investigations have shown as a possible cause, the ingestion of a bird through the right engine, which caused a fire in it.
In the letter, the FANB indicates that the crew members applied the corresponding emergency procedures, canceling the mission and going to the air base of origin, the fire was not extinguished and the aircraft became out of control, therefore the pilots, applying the established protocol, carried out the ejection.
Likewise, in the statement, the FANB informs that the Air Accident Investigation Board of the institution continues to carry out the rigorous procedures, in order to determine with greater precision all the factors that could have influenced the unfortunate accident.
Here is the full statement:
The Bolivarian National Armed Forces informs that, regarding the accident of the
Sukhoi 30 Mk2 plane acronym 3363, occurred yesterday July 2 of the current; the
First investigations have shown as a possible cause, the ingestion of a bird by the
right engine, which generated fire in it, and even when the crew applied
the corresponding emergency procedures, canceling the mission and heading
to the air base of origin, the fire was not extinguished and the aircraft became out of control,
therefore, the pilots, applying the established protocol, carried out the ejection.
Likewise, the respective autopsy found the cause of death of Colonel
Paulino José Millán Sabino (pilot), mechanical asphyxiation by extrinsic compression of the
neck, possibly caused by the same lines of the parachute. This egregious pilot
of our glorious Bolivarian Military Aviation, today, by instructions of our
Commander in Chief, he has been promoted post-mortem to the rank of Brigadier General. By
his part, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Luis Hernández Gómez (co-pilot), is in his
home with his family, completely stable and out of danger.
The Air Accident Investigation Board of the institution continues to practice
the rigorous procedures, in order to determine with greater precision all the factors that
could influence the unfortunate accident.
The FANB reiterates its regret for the loss of this brave air soldier, who
will continue to fly with us, higher and undefeated in the home sky.
Chávez lives… the Homeland continues!
Independence and Socialist Homeland… We will live and win!
The Sun of Venezuela is born in the Essequibo!
Independence or nothing!
Always loyal… Never traitors!
Caracas, July 3, 2023
Vladimir Padrino Lopez
General-in-Chief
