TransAsia tragedy: Pilot's body retrieved still clutching joystick of doomed plane

The pilot of the ill-fated TransAsia jetliner was allegedly holding the joystick in the cockpit when his body was retrieved, Reuters reported Friday.

The pilot, known as TransAsia as Liao Chien-tsung, 42 was hailed a hero by Taipei’s mayor for his bold effort battling the aircraft from hitting built-up areas before the plane plunged into Keelung River, potentially avoiding more damage and deaths.

At Press time, death toll rose to 31 with more bodies including those of the pilot and co-pilot, said authorities.

[PHOTO GALLERY]: DEATH TOLL RISES IN TAIWAN PLANE CRASH