Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) provided yesterday Tuesday a timeline of the recent helicopter crash incident last July 27, 2023 in a banana plantation in Bukidnon involving a Robinson R44 ll operated by Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services (PAMAS) and piloted by a CAAP license holder.
Aircraft investigators said at approximately 9:00 AM on the said date, the Robinson R44 II helicopter departed from PAMAS Airstrip located within the MVC complex in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the purpose of the flight was to pick up passengers at Brgy. Bantuanon, Lantapan, Bukidnon, 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 ft. However, at an approximate altitude of 3,000 ft., the helicopter experienced a sudden loss of power.
Upon noticing the power issue, the pilot decided to discontinue the flight and initiate a return to the PAMAS airstrip. 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.
The aircraft had an emergency landing at a nearby banana plantation situated at Sitio Babahagon, Lantapan, Bukidnon, which was approximately 3 miles from the PAMAS airstrip.
Fortunately, the pilot and three passengers safely evacuated the helicopter without sustaining injuries. Unfortunately, one passenger seated at the back of the aircraft sustained minor injuries and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
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.
Investigators are also looking for the possible not filing of flight plan which is a violation and if found guilty the CAAP may suspend the operation of PAMAS including its pilot, Apolonio said.
