It was with deep sorrow that I found out that Captain-Commander Mitica Docuz, WO Catalin Topoliceanu, WO Viorel Cojocaru and student Stefan Coropetchi died on duty, in an aviation accident, that occurred today, 5 July.

Two years after the tragic event of Tuzla, when 12 Air Force and Navy troops lost their lives, whom we commemorated today, the Air Force is once more confronted with a painful event, caused by the death of four other comrades.
The death of the four aviators shows once more the extent to which Romanian troops face risks on a daily basis, in combat but in training flights as well.
The commitment and responsibility that characterize Romanin Aviation compel to feelings of recognition and respect, all the more so in such tragic circumstances.
We express our compassion and we send our sincere condolences to the grieving families and all those who loved and were close to the departed ones.
May they rest in peace !

Corneliu Dobritoiu, Minister of National Defence