The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) released on Tuesday, August 1, a timeline of incidents that detailed how a helicopter of a non-profit organization offering medical aviation services crash-landed in Lantapan, Bukidnon last week.
***(Photo: CAAP)***
CAAP’s Aircraft Accident and Inquiry Investigation Board (AAIIB) said the Robinson R44 II helicopter operated by Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services (PAMAS) flew from the PAMAS airstrip in Valencia City, Bukidnon around 9 a.m. last July 27 to pick up passengers in Lantapan who were scheduled to participate in a skydiving activity as part of the barangay's fiesta celebration.
“The initial phase of the flight proceeded smoothly, and the aircraft safely reached the designated pick-up point. With four skydivers and the pilot on board, the flight began its ascent to the planned altitude of 8,000 feet. However, at an approximate altitude of 3,000 ft., the helicopter experienced a sudden loss of power,” CAAP said.
CAAP said the pilot of the helicopter decided to discontinue the flight and initiate a return to the PAMAS airstrip when he noticed the power issue. PAMAS earlier identified the pilot as Jared Hoewing, a PAMAS pilot.
“Unfortunately, during the attempt to return, the helicopter encountered further power loss and struggled to maintain its altitude. As a result, the pilot sought an area suitable for an emergency landing,” CAAP continued.
An hour after it took off from, the helicopter eventually crash-landed at a banana plantation in Sitio Babahagon, Lantapan, Bukidnon which is approximately three miles from the PAMAS airstrip.
The pilot and three skydivers were evacuated safely while another passenger seated at the back portion of the aircraft sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
CAAP said the helicopter sustained “substantial damage” due to the collision with the plantation and ground impact.
“CAAP has already initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the power loss and to ensure that all safety protocols were followed,” it added.