Air Force pilot killed in Bohol chopper crash

The pilot of a Philippine Air Force MD520MG helicopter was killed after the aircraft crashed near Jetafe, Bohol on Tuesday morning.

“The men and women of the Philippine Air Force, led by the Commanding General, Lieutenant General Allen T. Paredes, deeply grieves the loss of an aircrew who offered his life in the line of duty,” the PAF said in a statement.

The MD520MG No. 410 from the 15th Strike Wing crashed at around 9:30 a.m.  while on an engineering flight.

Rescuers, including the members of the 505th Search and Rescue Group, rushed to the crash site to help the aircrew, who were brought to the nearest hospital.

Three of the aircrew survived the crash, according to the PAF.

The families of the involved aircrew were being informed of the incident. The bereaved family would be provided with all the necessary assistance and financial aid due them.

Meanwhile, the PAF said it had grounded its MD520 fleet.

The Air Force also assured the public that all of its air assets undergo strict, regular, and redundant maintenance inspections before and after flight missions. — DVM, GMA News