PAF lifts grounding of FA-50 jets weeks after Bukidnon crash

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Thursday it has lifted the grounding of the FA-50 fleet weeks after the fatal crash of one of its units in Bukidnon.

Air Force spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the grounding was lifted after the remaining FA-50s were checked.

“Noon pang March 25 lifted siya (It was lifted on March 25),” Castillo said.

“Na-check na yung systems niya kasi yan ay standard procedure na kapag meron tayong grounding ng aircraft because of an incident or accident. We have to check the remaining fleet. We have to make sure na walang mga possible technical problems. Iche-check lahat ng systems nila para ma-ensure natin na safe to fly sila,” she added.

(Its systems have been checked because that is standard procedure when we have an aircraft grounding because of an incident or accident. We have to check the remaining fleet. We have to make sure there are no possible technical problems. We will check all their systems to ensure they are safe to fly.)

No problem was detected in the fleet, according to Castillo, adding that the remaining FA-50s are now “full operational” and can be used as long as they are under maintenance.

Castillo said the PAF is planning to use the FA-50s in the Cope Thunder Exercise 2025 with the United States troops, which will run from April 7 to 18.

On March 4, the FA-50 fighter jet with tail number 002 went missing during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops, according to the PAF. 

The aircraft on March 5 was found wrecked in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon. Two pilots — Major Jude Salang-Oy and First Lieutenant April John Dadulla — were killed.

Castillo said the report on the result of the investigation into the crash is still being finalized. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News