The Philippine Air Force McDonnell Douglas MD520MG helicopter, operated by the 15th Strike Wing, crashed into the sea as a result of a technical malfunction. The pilot died in the crash, the three passengers survived.
“The AFP Chief General Cirilito Sobejana is saddened by the report of the demise of one of our Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who succumbed in a crash landing of a PAF MG 520 helicopter today 27April2021 in Jetafe, Bohol,” said a statement released by AFP Spokesperson Marine Major General Edgard Arevalo. “We send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as we offer our support in any way we can.”
Arrevalo said the co-pilot of the MG 520 helicopter and two members of the crew who survived are undergoing treatment in a medical facility in Talibon, Bohol.
The PAF is set to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, he added.
“The men and women of the Philippine Air Force, led by the Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Allen T. Paredes deeply grieves the loss of an aircrew who offered his life in the line of duty,” the PAF also said in a statement.
It vowed to provide all the necessary assistance, including financial aid, to the bereaved family.
The aircraft was on a “maintenance flight” when the incident happened, PAF spokesman LtCol Maynard Mariano earlier told reporters.
“They took off [from] Mactan island, from our base, they are performing maintenance flight,” he said, adding they were doing a periodic “equipment check.”
The PAF said it has grounded the MG 520 fleet following the crash. It also assured the public added that all of its air assets “are undergoing strict, regular, and redundant maintenance inspections before and after flight missions.”
