The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) instructed members of the search team on foot looking for the missing Cessna 206 plane with six passengers on board to be equipped with beacon, a light or other visible object that serves as a signal, warning, or guide at sea and on an airfield.
The beacon is very important as it serves as a guide for every searcher during a bad weather operation.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said that CAAP requested yesterday Saturday with Hong Kong Mission Control Center (HKMCC) using their Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system to review/ evaluate for any distress alerts received relative to the search area of the missing RP-C1174? which HKMCC replied; “no detection recorded from the their Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).”
HKMCC then requested Japan Mission Control Center (JAMCC) to review their system for distress alerts of RP-C1174 for double confirmation. Japan MCC replied also; “no detection from the ELT and no past detection found in their record.”
“Apolonio also said that CAAP reviews the Area Control Center Radar and Clark Radar coverage through CAAP Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management System that can pick-up traces from the subject aircraft during its flight and still no detection from RP-C1174.
The search team were about to proceed to the possible site where the farmer allegedly saw the missing white plane slowly losing control, but due to bad weather conditions in the area the search was temporarily halted waiting for the weather to clear.
Cauayan Control Tower’s last contact with the pilot was around 2:19 PM Tuesday when it was within the vicinity of Naguilian Bridge.
The search and rescue team from the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Local Government Units, local policemen and firemen and Philippine Coast Guard who recently joined the search.
Apolonio said that CAAP issued on Thursday night January 26, 2023 a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) BO391/23, covering the area some13NM South of Naguilian, 13 NM West of Naguilian, 17 NM North to 17 NM East of Maconacon Airport with an estimated total area of more than 1,000 square nautical miles as the possible search and rescue area.
Among six missing persons on board the aircraft whose ages range from 10-59 years old are the subject of search and rescue in the vicinity. (JERRY S. TAN)
