Pilot of missing military aircraft found

June 15, 2016 - 11:20

The pilot of the military aircraft that went missing during a training flight off the coast of the central province of Nghệ An yesterday was rescued at 5am this morning.

Rescue forces continue to search for Senior Lieutenant Colonel Trần Quang Khải and the missing aircraft. — Photo baonghean.vn
Viet Nam News

NGHỆ AN — The pilot of the military aircraft that went missing during a training flight off the coast of the central province of Nghệ An yesterday was rescued at 5am this morning.

The Su 30Mk2 aircraft lost contact at 6:50 am yesterday during a training session in the area of Hòn Mật Island, about 40km off the coast of Nghệ An’s Vinh City. 

The pilot, Major Nguyễn Hữu Cường, who is head of the SU30 fighter squadron under Division 371’s Regiment 923 of the Air Defence – Air Force Service, was in stable condition after being found by fisherman Phạm Văn Lệ from the neighbouring province of Hà Tĩnh. 

A ship was deployed to the fishing boat’s location to carry the pilot back to the mainland. 

Meanwhile, rescue forces are continuing to search for the other airman on board, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Trần Quang Khải, who is deputy head and chief of staff of Regiment 923.

The aircraft remains unaccounted for.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc yesterday asked the Defence Ministry to seek all measures and mobilise forces to speed up the search for the two pilots and the aircraft. 

The ministry is required to investigate reasons for the incident and review the flight control process to learn from experience to avoid similar accidents. — VNS

 

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