Mechanical, human factors among possible causes of FA-50 crash — PAF

Mechanical and human factors are among the angles that the Philippine Air Force will look at following the recent crash of an FA-50 fighter jet in Bukidnon. 

According to Chino Gaston’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the plane’s flight data recorder has been retrieved which could help determine the speed, elevation, and condition of the aircraft when the accident occurred. 

PAF’s investigation team has already arrived at the crash site in Bukidnon to conduct a forensic investigation. 

“We are going to look at all angles. Yes, you’ve mentioned material factor, mechanical factors, human factor -  we are going to look at their medical records, mental state records, and aside from that, environmental is also a factor,” said PAF spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo. 

The bodies of the two pilots were also recovered from the crash site earlier in the day. 

The remains were brought to a funeral parlor in Cagayan de Oro and will be flown on Friday or Saturday to Villamor Airbase for military honors. 

Among the fatalities was Lieutenant AJ Dadulla, who was supposed to marry his fiancée on March 15.

“Nagtatanong siya kung bibilhan ba namin ng wheelchair yung papa namin…para sa kanyang kasal. Pagkatapos ng kasal, gusto niya munang mag-spend nang ilang mga araw o siguro linggo kasama ‘yung mapapangasawa niya po,” said Jovenel Dadulla, the victim’s brother. 

(He was asking if we have to buy our father a wheelchair for the wedding. After the wedding, he was planning to spend a week with his wife.) 

Dadulla’s family happens to live in Bukidnon, leading Jovenel to believe his brother died fulfilling his duty for their home. 

“Tinitingnan na lang po na si AJ ay nakapagbuwis ng kanyang buhay para sa bayan. Sa ganoon po ay medyo gumagaan nang kaunti ang aming pakiramdam,” Jovenel added. 

(The way we look at it, AJ sacrificed his life for the country. In this manner, it somehow eases how we feel.) 

The other casualty was Major Jude Salang-oy, a veteran pilot who was part of the PAF's historic deployment to the recent Pitchblack Exercise in Darwin, Australia. 

Both Salang-oy and Dadulla were members of the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Bulldogs).

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) has declined to comment if the crash will affect the Philippines' planned purchase of 12 additional FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea. 

“It’s too early to tell and so far the FA-50 has a very good track record in service,” said DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong. 

The country's version of the mutirole KAI Golden Eagle is the light fighter, twin-seater variant designated the FA-50PH. The versatile aircraft serves a variety of missions that include air defense, strike, reconnaissance and training. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News