Romanian Air Force Mig 21 & Puma Missing

[138EAW]

A Puma has gone missing while searching for a missing Mig 21 according to the Romanian Air Force Facebook page

The IAR 330-Puma helicopter, took off, Wednesday, March 2, around 20.21, in a search and rescue mission of the Mig 21 LanceR aircraft, lost radio connection to the control tower and disappeared from the radar around 20.44.
The pilot reported bad weather conditions and received orders to return to base.

The last known position of the helicopter, which had a crew of five military on board, is the area of Gura Dobrogei, about 11 km from the airfield. The condition of the crew or aircraft is unknown. And in this case, search and rescue operations started.

There is no information yet required, at this moment, neither on the MiG 21 LanceR pilot or aircraft.

We will be back with details.

[Tommy]

I’ve seen a screenshot (don’t have it to hand) saying the Puma crashed with the loss of seven personnel and no word on the MiG or its pilot.

Very sad news.

[Stagger2]

As reported elsewhere the Pilot of the Mig 21 has also perished. A very sad outcome particularly in respect of the seven IAR330 occupants who died attempting to rescue their comrade.
Rumours suggest the Mig was one of a pair flying a joint patrol. No further info' reported on that subject.

[NTG1610]

Press release from the Romanian Defense Ministry

confirms pilot details and aircraft mission details

[NTG1610]

and the Puma details