2 pilots, 3 crew slightly hurt in chopper crash at Sangley Airport

Two pilots and three crew members were slightly hurt after a Philippine Navy chopper crashed at Sangley Airport in Cavite on Thursday morning. 

Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcoz said all of the victims are now in safe condition and only sustained minor injuries. 

“No casualties were reported, and all personnel onboard, though with minor injuries, were conscious and safely transported to the 15th Strike Wing Hospital for medical evaluation,” he said.

Based on the initial investigation, Naval Helicopter NH432 took off at Sangley Airport to conduct a functional check flight after 400 hours of scheduled maintenance schedule. 

Meanwhile, all landing and take-off operations at the said airport have been suspended, effective 10:18 a.m. on Thursday, due to the disabled military aircraft on the runway, said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in an advisory. 

“The suspension will remain in effect until further notice as authorities address the situation,” it added.

Alcos said the incident happened during a training and maintenance flight at the Sangley Aerodrome, Cavite.

He said that emergency response teams, including fire and medical personnel, were immediately deployed to the scene.

He added all similar aircraft will temporarily be grounded as they conduct comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

Alcos further said the Philippine Navy is "committed to maintaining high standards of operational safety and will use the findings to improve our procedures moving forward."—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News