The pilot of the Czech fighter JAS 39 Gripen probably is not to blame for the mistake that occurred during Czech pilots' live shooting in Sweden this October, according to preliminary investigation by the Swedish office for military materiel (FMV) completed today.

The investigation reportedly showed that the incident occurred as a result of errors during the preparation of the shooting, not by the pilot's mistake during the shooting.

During exercises in northern Sweden on October 11, a Czech fighter shot by mistake not at the towed target but at the tow plane.

The latter aircraft's three-member crew was lucky to escape a fatal danger.

Although no one was harmed in the incident, the Swedish authorities continue enquiring into its cause in order to prevent any similar mishaps.

FMV spokesman Ulf Lindstroem told CTK today that the FMV has so far found nothing that could be presented as the Czech pilot's mistake.

Source