The Minister of National Defence, Gabriel Oprea alongside the military leadership expressed their deep regret and sincere condolences to the grieving families for the death of Captain Commandor Laurentiu-Nicolae Chirita and Captain Commandor Sorin-Traian Avram in the air accident at Campia Turzii on Monday, November 1.

The defence minister ordered that a technical commission should investigate the circumstances of the accident. The commission operates under the command of Air Flotilla General Stefan Danila. According to procedures, a notification was submitted to the Military Prosecutor's Office. All training flights with this type of aircraft are suspended until the investigation is over.


Captain Commandor Laurentiu-Nicolae was 40 years old, he was a jet pilot 1st Class, a trainer for day and night flights, on all weather conditions. He had about 1300 flight hours, 940 of which on MiG-21. He was married and had one child.


Captain Commandor Sorin-Traian Avram was 40 years old he was a jet pilot 1st Class, a trainer for day and night flights, on all weather conditions. He had about 1000 flight hours, 830 of which on MiG-21. He was married and had one child.

Both pilots graduated from many specialty courses at home and abroad and participated in many international exercises.

Military and religious ceremonies will be held in military units at home and in the theaters of operations as a token of respect for the pilots who died tragically during a mission in Cluj County.


The defence minister ordered that a technical commission should investigate the circumstances of the accident. The commission operates under the command of Air Flotilla General Stefan Danila. According to procedures, a notification was submitted to the Military Prosecutor's Office. All training flights with this type of aircraft are suspended until the investigation is over.

MoND Press Office