PAF to probe South Korean manufacturer of FA-50 jet that crashed in Bukidnon

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Sunday it will add the South Korean manufacturer of the FA-50 fighter jet that crashed at Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon last week to its investigation.

This came after the PAF said it will look at possible mechanical and human factors as among the angles in the incident that resulted in the death of two pilots, following the retrieval of the plane’s flight data recorder.

According to PAF spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo, local experts can check the flight data recorder, but they will still have to call for the manufacturer itself to get more information on the matter. 

“Kasama na rin sa imbestigasyon kasi ang pagpapatawag natin sa original equipment manufacturer, which is South Korean,” Castillo said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. 

(We will include in the investigation the calling of the South Korean original equipment manufacturer.) 

“Kasama ho ‘yan sa imbestigasyon na ginagawa, ‘yun hong pagpapatawag natin… Hindi pa definite, wala pa akong exact na information kung dito o doon pero definitely, kasama ang original equipment manufacturer sa magiging masusing imbestigasyon,” she added. 

(That’s included in our investigation. It’s not definite yet if that will be done here or in South Korea, but definitely, the original equipment manufacturer will be included in the thorough investigation.)

The FA-50PH light combat aircraft is the Philippine variant of the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) Golden Eagle. Prior to the crash, the Air Force originally had 12 in its inventory where it was used for a variety of roles such as air defense, air support, reconnaissance and advance jet trainer. The PAF is planning to acquire an additional 12 aircraft in the newer Block 20 multirole configuration.   

The FA-50 fighter jet with tail number 002 went missing early Tuesday morning during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops, according to the PAF.

On Wednesday morning, the wreckage of the aircraft was found with the bodies of its aircrew in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex. The plane was considered a total loss.

The remaining FA-50s are currently grounded by the PAF but could be flown if required.

"Administrative grounding ang tinatawag natin. Pero anytime na urgently needed ang ating aircrafts for any national concern, papaliparin natin," Castillo assured.

(We use the term "administrative grounding". But anytime our aircraft are urgently needed for any national concern, we will fly.)

The remains of the two pilots of the ill-fated plane arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday.

Castillo said there are no details yet regarding the burial of the remains.

“Sa ngayon, nandun ang vigil sa Villamor Airbase. Mayroong planong ilipat ang vigil sa Basa Airbase kung saan mapapag-bigyan ang kanilang mga kapwa pilots at mga nakasamang aircrew para magbigay ng kanilang last respects,” she said.

(Currently, the vigil is at Villamor Airbase. There are plans to move the vigil to Basa Airbase where their fellow pilots and aircrew can pay their last respects.)

“By Wednesday, ang balak is ay pupunta sa kanya kanyang hometowns ang mga labi ng ating mga piloto,” she added.

(By Wednesday, the plan is for the remains of our pilots to be brought to their respective hometowns.) — RF, GMA Integrated News