The pilots, Commander Bucur Nicolae, Lieutenant Craiu Ionel and the board mechanic, NCO Ticea Adrian Alexandru formed the crew of the helicopter that crushed November 7, near Ungheni, County Arges.

Commander Bucur Nicolae was born in April 1, 1958 in Techirgiol and had 2,700 hours of flight (800 hours on this type of helicopter). He was officer since 1981, 1st class pilot, and trainer for all the conditions and was the commander of the helicopter group. He was married and had two daughters.

Lieutenant Craiu Ionel was born in October 10, 980 in Iasi. He was officer since 2003, unclassified pilot and had 175 hours of flight and appointed as pilot. He was married and had no children.

NCO 2nd class Ticea Adrian Alexandru was born in July 13, 1971 in Targu Ocna and had 360 hours of flight. He was NCO since 1994 and appointed as mechanic. He was married and had a child.

The MoD leaders express their regret for the tragic accident and their sympathy for the mourning families.

At the suggestion of the chief of the General Staff, the Defense Minister ordered a commission to investigate the accident.

The helicopter, IAR 330 PUMA SOCAT, from the 90th Otopeni Air Transport Base was in training night time flight with no ammunition on board.

MoD Press Office