2016 Haragîș helicopter crash
| Industry | Emergency medical services, Aviation |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Romania |
| Products | Emergency medical helicopter services |
The Haragîș helicopter accident took place on June 2, 2016, involving a Romanian SMURD emergency medical helicopter that crashed near Haragîș in Cantemir District, Moldova during an emergency operation.
Earlier on the same day, the aircraft had completed a successful patient transfer to Chișinău, refueled, and then set off to retrieve another patient in Cahul. While flying to the second location, adverse weather conditions caused the helicopter to crash. Tragically, all four crew members lost their lives:
- Adrian-Gabriel Sandu, nurse
- Mihaela Dumea, doctor
- Constantin Voicu Șocae, copilot
- Ilie Doru Gavril, pilot
Following the incident, the Presidents of Romania (Klaus Iohannis) and Moldova (Nicolae Timofti) awarded the crew members posthumous honors. Additionally, in June 2017, Moldova released a commemorative postage stamp featuring the helicopter and its crew.