A Yak-130 during a training mission. — Photo cand.com.vn

BÌNH ĐỊNH — A Yak-130 military training aircraft experienced a critical malfunction during a routine training exercise at Phù Cát Airport in the central province of Bình Định on Wednesday.

The aircraft, belonging to the 940th Air Regiment of the Air Force Officer School, was engaged in a complex training mission involving long-distance, no-horizon and cloud penetration flying, in challenging weather conditions.

Colonel Nguyễn Văn Sơn and Senior Colonel Nguyễn Hồng Quân were piloting the aircraft when the incident occurred.

As the aircraft prepared to land after completing its training objectives, the pilots discovered the landing gear failed to deploy. Despite attempting emergency procedures, they were unable to rectify the issue.

With the safety of the crew paramount, the pilots were authorised to eject from the aircraft. Colonel Sơn and Senior Colonel Quân successfully ejected at approximately 11am.

The Air Defence – Air Force is joining hands with competent forces and localities to expedite the search and rescue activities on both air and the ground.

Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available. — VNS