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After 6 months, remains of one of two pilots of crashed OV-10 retrieved


(Updated 4:29 p.m.) Six months after a Philippine Air Force OV-10 Bronco plane crashed into the waters off Palawan, the remains of one of its two pilots were finally found and retrieved.
 
Task Force Bronco head Brig. Gen. Conrado Parra Jr. said search and retrieval operations are still continuing for the second pilot, radio dzBB's James Viernes reported.
 
The dzBB report said the remains were identified as those of Maj. Jonathan Ybañez. Still missing is 1st Lt. Abner Trust Nacion.

Parra, who is commander of the Air Force's 570th Composite Tactical Wing, said Ybanez's body was recovered near portions of the plane lying at a seabed about 36 meters deep. The recovered body had an identification card.
 
Ybañez and Nacion went missing after the Bronco plane crashed off Puerto Princesa City last June 23 following a night proficiency test flight.
 
A separate report on state-run Philippines News Agency said divers from Task Force Bronco found the remains of Ybañez early Wednesday.
 
Initial investigation showed the remains were found still strapped to the Bronco's seat, near the shore of BM Beach in Barangay San Manuel. 
 
PNA quoted Parra as saying the remains of the pilot were still strapped, "wearing his flight suit and helmet.” — KG/RSJ, GMA News