Rescue personnel search in the waters near the wreckage of TransAsia Airways plane Flight GE235 after it crash landed into a river, in New Taipei City February 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Pilot died clutching plane's joystick

The pilot of the crashed TransAsia Airways plane was still clutching the joystick when his body was found in the cockpit, reports said on Friday as the airline faced sanctions over its second fatal accident.

Pilot Liao Chien-tsung, 41, was among at least 35 people who lost their lives in the accident on Flight GE 235 in Taipei, Taiwan, on Wednesday.

Fifteen people survived, and rescuers are still searching the river and submerged wreckage for another eight who remain missing.

Liao has been hailed as a hero for apparently making a last-ditch attempt to steer the turboprop plane, with 53 passengers and five crew members on board, away from built-up areas during its steep descent, avoiding more deaths and damage.

His body was found in the cockpit still holding the joystick with both hands, and with his legs badly fractured, the Taipei-based China Times newspaper said.

"He struggled to hold onto the joystick till the last moment before the plane plunged into the river, in an attempt to control its direction and to reduce casualties," the report said, citing unnamed prosecutors investigating the case.

Taiwan leaders and people have mourned Liao, with major newspapers running front-page tributes hailing him for saving many lives.