Probers eye three factors in Air Force chopper crash in Basilan

THE Air Force is eyeing three factors that may have caused the fatal crash of one of its Sikorsky S-76A air ambulance in Basilan on Wednesday as it officially identified the four personnel who perished during the mishap.

The S-76A from the 505th Search and Rescue Group boarded by four Air Force personnel was on its way to Jolo from Zamboanga City when it went down into a rubber plantation in Lantawan, Basilan under inclement weather.

The helicopter, police and local officials said, exploded and caught fire after the crash, burning the bodies of the crewmen on board.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Aristides Galang said they are now eyeing weather condition, mechanical problem and pilot error that may have caused the crash of the ill-fated helicopter.

“Material factor, human factor and environmental factor, those are what we are considering during the investigation,” he said.

Galang said the air ambulance helicopter was on its way to Sulu to carry out a medical evacuation mission when it went down at Barangay Upper in Manggas, Lantawan.

He identified the fatalities as Maj. Jessie Miller, pilot in command; 1st Lt. Mack-ar Ferrer, co-pilot; and air crew Staff Sgt. Miguel Banas Jr. and Airman 2nd Class Benedicto Leal Jr.

The Air Force has grounded and posed for inspection of all of its S-76A aircraft in its fleet.