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The Air Force is considering three factors that may have caused the fatal crash of one of its Sikorsky S-76A air ambulances in Basilan on Wednesday, as it officially identified the four staff members who died during the crash.
The S-76A of the 505th Search and Rescue Group boarded by four members of the Air Force was heading to Jolo from the city of Zamboanga when it fell 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 crew on board.
Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Aristides Galang said they are now looking at weather conditions, mechanical problems and pilot errors that may have caused the helicopter crash.
“Material factor, human factor and environmental factor, that’s what we are considering during the investigation,” he said.
Galang said the air ambulance helicopter was heading to Sulu to carry out a medical evacuation mission when it fell on Barangay Upper in Manggas, Lantawan.
He identified the fatalities as Major Jessie Miller, pilot in command; 1st Lieutenant Mack-Ar Ferrer, co-pilot; and aircrew personnel Sgt. Miguel Banas Jr. and Airman 2nd Class Benedicto Leal Jr.
The Air Force has landed and posed for inspection of all of its S-76A aircraft in its fleet.
