PAF releases causes of fatal FA-50 crash

The fatal crash of a FA-50PH fighter jet in Bukidnon on March 4 was due to the risk of night flying over mountainous terrain and complexity of multi-aircraft combat operations, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Tuesday.

In a press conference, PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the military has completed the investigation into the aviation mishap, the first crash involving the South Korean-made Golden Eagle aircraft in the air force inventory.

“The thorough investigation points to a confluence of factors including the inherent risk of night flying mountainous terrain combined with the complexity of multi-aircraft combat operations,” Castillo said.

“Moving forward, the PAF is committed to strengthening our safety protocols, fostering excellence in every mission through a more robust organizational safety culture, prioritizing the well-being of our personnel and the preservation  of our equipment in all future operations,” she added.

Asked if it is possible that the aircrew suffered from vertigo, Castillo appealed against “finger-pointing.”

“Right now, we urge everyone to have more understanding and consideration. We appeal against finger-pointing at this point,” PAF official said.

“What is important is the PAF recognizes that we need to improve on our safety protocols. At the same time, look at the different aspects from mission planning, preparation, at the same time the way we execute using our tactics, techniques, and procedures,” she added.

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 wreckage of the ill-fated aircraft was found by search and rescue teams on March 5 in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon. The two pilots. identified as Major Jude Salang-Oy and First Lieutenant April John Dadulla, died in the crash.

The 11 remaining FA-50s were temporarily grounded as a result of the incident. The order was lifted on March 25. —RF, GMA Integrated News