Search and rescue teams from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has located the missing Piper Plane that was first reported missing in Isabela, a military spokesperson said on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
PAF spokesperson Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the Piper Plane (RPC 1234) was spotted in the vicinity of Brgy Casala, San Mariano, Isabela during the operation of its Sokol helicopter on Tuesday morning.
“While the Sokol could not land nor come close due to the strong winds and growing fog in the mountainous site, the aircrew were able to relay the exact location to ground forces for the continuous search on foot towards the aircraft's exact location,” said Castillo.
The light plane with a pilot and a passenger on board was first reported missing on Nov. 30 after it did not reach the Palanan Airport after taking off at the Cauayan Airport at 9:39 a.m.
Castillo said the ground search party composed of personnel from the Philippine Army, local police forces and other local agencies are already proceeding to the area with the help of local residents as guide.
“The PAF commits the availability of its parajumpers and additional rescue helicopters from the 505th Search and Rescue Group for possible helirescue, once weather permits,” said Castillo.
Castillo said there is still no report so far as to the status of the two people on board the plane.