PHNOM PENH, July 30 — A Cambodian military helicopter that went missing on July 12 was found in the Cardamom Mountains yesterday, with both individuals aboard confirmed dead, a defence spokesperson said today.
"At 10.30 am local on July 30, 2024, the search team of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) found the body of pilot Sun Phalla at the foot of the Yav Yai Mountain, about 210 metres from the crash site," said Secretary of State cum National Defence Ministry spokesperson Gen Chhum Socheat on social media.
The remains of pilot assistant Kheng Chhaiyuth were discovered yesterday at 5pm local time in the crashed chopper.
"I am shocked and saddened by the news of the deaths of the two pilots and pray for their souls to rest in peace," he said.
The search team found the missing helicopter at the Yav Yai Mountain in Thmor Da commune of Pursat province's Veal Veng district yesterday afternoon after a 17-day search operation.
The helicopter had lost contact with the Air Force headquarters while flying over the densely forested Cardamom Mountain range in Pursat and Koh Kong provinces during a training flight on July 12 due to bad weather, according to the ministry.
RCAF deputy commander-in-chief Gen Ith Sarath, who led the search and rescue operation, said over 1,000 ground and air forces had taken part in this operation.
— Bernama
