The incident involved a YAK-130 jet piloted by Second Lieutenant Dinh Thanh Trung of Air Regiment 940 under the Air Force Officer Training School, Air Defense–Air Force Service.
According to official reports, Trung was conducting a standard training exercise (lesson 5+3) and was cleared for takeoff at 7:27 AM.
At 7:44 AM, the aircraft lost contact. Facing a sudden technical malfunction, Trung attempted emergency troubleshooting but was unsuccessful.
Demonstrating decisive judgment, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft away from residential areas. Upon finding a safe location, he activated the ejection system and parachuted to safety.
He landed in Hoa Hiep Ward, where local residents helped transport him to Phu Yen General Hospital. The hospital confirmed receiving the pilot at 9:03 AM and conducted immediate medical imaging. No serious injuries were detected, and his condition has since stabilized.
The YAK-130 crashed into Hon Vinh mountain, located in Dong Hoa Ward, Dak Lak. Fortunately, no civilians or nearby structures were harmed.
Military units, along with local authorities and search-and-rescue forces, are working together to secure the site and investigate the cause of the accident.
The crash site has been cordoned off for safety and investigation. The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that protecting civilian lives was a top priority throughout the emergency, and credited the pilot for his professionalism and quick decision-making.
Tran Thuong-Hai Duong
