Promoted from Captain to Major for Su-22 pilot who crashed in Quang Nam

On January 13, information from the Ministry of National Defense said that General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, sent a letter of commendation and decided to award a certificate of merit to pilot Do Tien Duc (squadron leader of Squadron 1, Regiment 929, Division 372, Air Defense - Air Force) for his calm and intelligent actions in handling unforeseen situations in the air, minimizing damage to people's lives and property.

Previously, the Minister of National Defense also decided to promote pilot Do Tien Duc from captain to major.

On January 9, while implementing the training plan of Regiment 929, Major Duc was assigned to pilot Su-22M4 aircraft number 5880 in a training flight.

When completing the mission and piloting the plane back to the airport to land, the plane encountered a technical problem and could not land safely. Pilot Do Tien Duc reported to the flight commander and received orders to parachute.

In a very short moment and the plane was in an emergency state at low altitude, falling very quickly, possibly endangering life, but the pilot calmly controlled the plane away from densely populated areas and parachuted safely, minimizing damage to people's lives and property.

"With courage, qualifications and high determination, you have promoted the noble qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, calm, confident, not afraid of sacrifice, promptly determined the opportunity to handle unforeseen situations in the air. That work is very valuable, demonstrating the responsibility and spirit for the people and the Fatherland of a revolutionary soldier" - the minister wrote in the letter of praise.

On behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang praised and commended the pilot's sense of responsibility and calm, intelligent and brave actions.

At the same time, I hope that in the coming time, pilot Do Tien Duc will continue to promote the noble qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, proactively and creatively overcome difficulties, strive to excellently complete all assigned tasks, and contribute more to the cause of building the army, strengthening national defense, and building and protecting the Fatherland.

Previously, on January 9, Regiment 929, Division 372, Air Defense - Air Force organized a daily training flight at Da Nang airport as planned.

The Su-22 aircraft, number 5880, piloted by Captain Do Tien Duc, squadron leader of Squadron 1, took off at 11:04. At 11:14, the pilot reported that the aircraft had problems and could not land.

The flight commander ordered the pilot to try to get the plane out of the populated area and parachute.

The pilot tried to fly the plane away from the residential area and parachuted 19km south of the runway in Dien Nam Trung commune, Dien Ban town, Quang Nam province.