The Philippine Air Force (PAF) vowed to do an "intensive" investigation on the plane crash in Bataan that resulted in the death of its two pilots on Wednesday.
In an interview with reporters, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said they are looking into materiel, meteorological, and human factors in determining the cause behind the Siai-Marchetti SF-260TP turboprop light attack aircraft's mishap in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Del Rosario in Pilar town, Bataan.
"Masusi po talaga ang ginagawa naming imbestigasyon, we look at all possible angles para po matuntun natin 'yung real cause of the accident, so as of now po ang pinaka-update natin the investigation is still ongoing," Castillo said.
Castillo said its aircraft accident investigation team has already secured the crash site.
For the materiel angle, the PAF spokesperson said this would be investigated by examining recovered aircraft components and the last transmissions made by the pilots before the actual crash landing. This is to determine if there were problems encountered during the flight.
The team will also consider possible human and meteorological factors, even if clear weather conditions were reported in Pilar town at the time of the accident, Castillo added.
PAF also identified the fallen pilots as Capt. Ian Gerru Pasinos, the pilot-in-command, and Capt. Jhon Paulo Ong Aviso, co-pilot. Their bodies have been brought to the Villamor Air Base.
In a statement, PAF commended Pasinos and Aviso for fulfilling their "mandate as Filipino soldiers, and their final act of heroism was ensuring landing on a clear area that will prevent possible casualties on the ground."
"The PAF will forever be grateful for their great service to the Nation, and shall ensure that all possible forms of assistance will be extended to guarantee the well-being of the families they have left behind," its statement read.
"Once again, the PAF enjoins the public to join us in condoling with the bereaved families and offer prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of our fallen heroes."
