Twelve servicemen killed as plane crashes close to Tuzla Aerodrome

Twelve air and navy forces servicemen lost their lives in a military plane crash near the Tuzla Aerodrome in one of the worst accidents in Romania’s recent history. There were only three survivors, who managed to escape the aircraft before impact. One, however, died shortly after being admitted to the Military Hospital in Bucharest.

The aircraft had problems at take off, coming down after only a two-kilometer flight. The exercise was part of a training drill for parachutists and was conducted by commander Nicolae Jianu, a first-class instructor and experienced pilot, head of the aviation base Boboc, in Buzau. An investigation into the accident has begun, looking into two possible causes: human error or technical failure, with specialists inclining towards the first possibility.

Antonov An-2 airplanes are used for the training of parachutists and, although production ceased in 1990, their reputation is still good.

Corina Dumitrescu

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