Taiwan plane crash: Pilot found still clutching joystick

Liao Chien-tsung, who managed to avoid crashing into buildings or major infrastructure, was hailed as a hero by the Tapai mayor.

17:33 06 February 2015

Liao Chien-tsung, the 42-year-old pilot in the TransAsia plane crash in Taiwan, was still clutching the joystick when his body was found.

His continued effort right to the end allowed him to avoid crashing into buildings or major infrastructure and potentially saved hundreds or even thousands of lives. He managed to steer the plane between apartment blocks and commercial buildings before ditching the stalled aircraft in a river after both its engines failed.

There were 58 passengers and crew when Flight GE235 crashed upside down into a shallow river just minutes after it took off on Wednesday. 35 people have been confirmed to have died in the accident while the search continues for those still missing.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je praised pilot Mr Chien-tsung as a hero.

"We really have to thank that pilot," Ko said. "He really tried his hardest."

The plane was bound to outlying Kinmen islands and most of its passengers were tourists from southwestern city of Xiamen in China.

The pilot made a mayday call shortly after take-off, blaming engine problems. It was later confirmed that both engines lost power before the plane crashed.