Medals awarded to the two pilots of the crashed Yak-130 aircraft.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - The President of Vietnam awarded the Third Class Order of National Defense to the two pilots of the crashed Yak-130 aircraft for their outstanding achievements in combat flight training missions.

On the afternoon of November 23rd in Khanh Hoa , acting on behalf of the President of Vietnam, Lieutenant General Tran Ngoc Quyen, Political Commissar of the Air Defense - Air Force Command, presented the Third Class Order of National Defense to two pilot Colonels, Nguyen Van Son and Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hong Quan.

Earlier on November 21, the President decided to award the Third Class Order of National Defense to the two pilots involved in the Yak-130 plane crash in Binh Dinh province for "having achieved outstanding results in combat flight training, contributing to the cause of building socialism and defending the Fatherland."

Acting on behalf of the President, Lieutenant General Tran Ngoc Quyen presented the Order of National Defense to two pilots (Photo: Mai Dong).

The two pilots, possessing high levels of skill, extensive training experience, and unwavering determination, calmly and confidently handled the unexpected situation in the air without fear of sacrifice, correctly identifying the opportune moment and promptly responding to the unforeseen circumstances.

At the award ceremony, Lieutenant General Tran Ngoc Quyen commended the leaders and commanders of the Air Force Officer School, the 940th Air Force Regiment, and the officers, staff, and soldiers in the flight crew for their excellent preparation, tight flight command organization, and timely and flexible handling of any situations that arose.

Earlier on November 6th, the 940th Air Regiment conducted training flights at Phu Cat Airport in Binh Dinh province.

Colonel Nguyen Van Son, Regiment Commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hong Quan, Flight Chief of the regiment, directly conducted the flight training of the Yak-130 aircraft with registration number 210D.

Upon completing their mission and returning to the airport for landing, the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction. Immediately afterward, the pilots implemented emergency procedures to save the aircraft, but without success.

Despite being ordered to parachute, the two pilots calmly and bravely steered the aircraft away from densely populated areas and safely parachuted out, causing no casualties or damage to property on the ground.

This action demonstrates the training level, combat readiness, and noble qualities of the Ho Chi Minh's soldiers, the outstanding air defense and air force soldiers.

On November 7th, General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense , sent a letter of commendation and encouragement to the officers, staff, and soldiers of the flight crew of the 940th Air Regiment, Air Force Officer School, Air Defense - Air Force Command, and the two pilots involved in the accident.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/trao-huan-chuong-cho-2-phi-cong-lai-may-bay-yak-130-gap-nan-20241123192147709.htm