Famous Ukrainian Pilot ‘Juice’ Dies In Mid-Air Collision

Published on: August 27, 2023 at 12:18 AM
Major Andrii Pilshchykov, callsign “Juice”. (Photo: Ukrainian MoD)

“Juice” was aboard one of the two L-39s that collided in Zhytomyr Region during a combat mission.

One of the most famous Ukrainian Air Force pilots, better known by his callsign “Juice” was killed alongside two other pilots in a  mid-air collision between two Ukrainian L-39 aircraft on the evening of Aug. 25, 2023. The incident occurred int the Zhytomyr Oblast, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed.

Juice’s real name was Major Andrii Pilshchykov, a 2nd Class pilot and a recipient of the Order of Courage, 3rd Class. Major Pilshchykov became known to everyone for the first-hand accounts he provided to the western media since the beginning of the Russian invasion via his social media accounts.

He was also among the pilots that visited Washington on behalf of the Ukrainian Air Force to ask for western fighters to the US Congress last year, acting as an informal ambassador of the service. Tributes are pouting for Juice across social medias, including from Ukrainian President Zelensky, who paid homage to him and the other two pilots during the message for Ukraine’s Aviation Day.

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Stefano D'Urso is a freelance journalist and contributor to TheAviationist based in Lecce, Italy. A graduate in Industral Engineering he's also studying to achieve a Master Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Electronic Warfare, Loitering Munitions and OSINT techniques applied to the world of military operations and current conflicts are among his areas of expertise.
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