Colonel Le Kiem Toan, a crewmember of CASA 212 (Source: Ministry of National Defence)Hanoi (VNA) – The Prime Minister has decided to grant 10 martyrs who died during the SU 30MK2 and CASA 212 aircraft accidents certificates recognising their contributions to the nation.
The martyrs are pilot Tran Quang Khai of the SU 30MK2 and the nine crewmembers of the CASA 212.
The Su 30MK2 aircraft with two pilots lost contact at 6:50 am of June 14 during a training session in the area of Hon Mat Island, about 40km off the coast of Nghe An’s Vinh city. Pilot Nguyen Huu Cuong was then rescued by fishermen, while pilot Tran Quang Khai went missing.
When searching for Khai, the CASA 212 lost communication at 12:30 pm on June 16. It was then located at 5 nautical miles south-southeast of Bach Long Vi island near the northern city of Hai Phong.
The body of pilot Khai was found on June 17, near Hon Mat Island.
As of June 28 afternoon, the search and rescue forces have found eight out of the nine crewmembers of the CASA 212. A memorial service for the deceased will be held in Hanoi on June 30.
Relevant agencies are working closely together to decode the black boxes of the CASA 212 to find out the reasons for the aircraft crash.-VNA
