Pilot in command in Laguna chopper crash facing admin raps before PNP-IAS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said an administrative case of grave misconduct was lodged against the pilot in command of the ill-fated police chopper that crashed in Laguna last March.

PNP spokesman Police Colonel Ysmael Yu said an administrative case of grave misconduct (Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Serious Physical Injuries, Multiple Less Serious Physical Injuries and Damages to Property under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code) was already filed against the pilot in command before the PNP Internal Affairs Service in September.

Yu said the filing of a criminal case is still being reviewed by the office of PNP chief Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan.

Based on the findings of the special investigation task group Bell 429 that looked into the accident, the pilot in command had failed to conduct a risk assessment before the takeoff, which is required for a trained pilot.

Results of the probe also indicated that there was lack of situational awareness and evaluation of surroundings, which are part of the protocol for safe and proper takeoff, and that there were some lapses in judgment on the part of the pilot.

The SITG Bell 429 also said there was no trouble in both engines of the police chopper and that it was "airworthy."

On March 5, the police chopper, boarding high-ranking police officials including former PNP chief Archie Francisco Gamboa, hit a high tension wire upon lift-off due to poor visibility caused by thick dust, causing it to crash in San Pedro City.

The police officials were set to inspect a lateral compound of the PNP Highway Patrol Group when the accident happened.

In May, Police Major General Mariel Magaway, one of the police officials seriously hurt in the accident, was discharged from the Asian Hospital Medical Center.

On the other hand, Police Major General Jose Maria Ramos, who had been in comatose for months, passed away at 12:07 a.m. on Tuesday.

Cascolan expressed condolences to the grieving family of Ramos and to the entire Philippine Military Academy "Sinagtala" Class of 1986.

"Police Major General Joevic Ramos fought a good fight to enjoy his supposed retirement from the service on November 25 with his family, but the Almighty has another plan for him," Cascolan said.

"The PNP extends its deepest sympathies for his wife, children and other members of his family, that include the PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986," he added. — RSJ, GMA News