MANILA, Philippines – A helicopter crashed in Nueva Ecija on Saturday, February 2, killing its pilot.
The female was the only one on board the RP-C3424 when it crashed “into a swampy area” at Purok Arimungmong in Barangay San Miguel. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Sunday said its Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board is already investigating the accident.
The helicopter departed Manila at 10:22 am to drop off a passenger in Baguio. It then left the City of Pines at 11:51 am, and landed at Binalonan at 12:05 pm to refuel.
“Binalonan Airport officials noted that the aircraft experienced difficulty restarting its engine before departing at 4:30 pm,” the CAAP statement read.
In a separate statement, the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office said the crash happened at around 5 pm.
The aircraft sent six emergency locator transmitter alerts between 7:04 pm to 7:14 pm, the Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center said.
LionAir Incorporated has been identified as the operator of the chopper. – Rappler.com