Kheng Chaiyuth (right) and Sun Phalla, the two deceased crewmen from the ill-fated Harbin Z-9 that crashed on Yav Yai Mountain on July 12. - Photo: TVK
PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of National Defence expressed condolences for the deaths of the two crewmen of the downed Harbin Z-9 helicopter, both found dead after a 17-day search.
The two crewmen, Kheng Chaiyuth and Sun Phalla, were discovered near the crash site on Monday (July 29) and Tuesday (July 30), respectively.
The men had been on a training flight from Phnom Penh to Thma Da commune in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district when their chopper went missing during bad weather on July 12.
“With this announcement, the national defense ministry extends our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
"The sacrifice of the two pilots is a tragic loss for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces [RCAF], especially the Air Force,” the ministry stated.
General Ith Sarath, deputy commander-in-chief and joint chief of staff of the RCAF, described the challenges in locating the helicopter and rescuing the pilots.
He attributed the delay to bad weather, unfavourable conditions and difficult access to the area.
"If the weather had been better since the crash, we probably wouldn't have had to wait so long.
"But from July 13-27, it rained continuously, day and night.
"The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and the local people also saw that the weather was not in our favour.
"If [it] had been better, we could have found them in just two or three days," Sarath told local media outlets today (July 30).
Sarath asked for understanding regarding the delay in recovering the bodies, stating that the crash occurred in the foothills of Yav Yai Mountain, a difficult area to access.
Even the search aircraft had to land about 150 metres from the crash site.
"So it is taking a little longer for us to remove the bodies from the site, and I ask for your understanding in this matter.
"Even though the search helicopter landed there, the weather conditions are crucial.
“When the weather is good, we can recover the bodies in just 20 minutes.
"But with low clouds obscuring visibility, there have been delays.
"I ask for understanding from both the families and the public,” he said.
Prime Minister Hun Manet also shared his sadness with the families of the two deceased.
“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the pilots Sun Phla and Kheng Chaiyuth for the loss of their beloved sons, husbands and fathers.
"This is also a great loss for the RCAF and for the nation, as we have lost officers who have shown will, ability and patriotic spirit.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” he said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
