A Philippine Navy Robinson R22 training helicopter crashed near a public market in Cavite City, Philippines, on Thursday morning, April 11th, 2024. Both pilots onboard, a 36-year-old male pilot and a 27-year-old female co-pilot, were declared dead.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. The Philippine Navy confirmed the aircraft was attempting an emergency landing near the Cavite City Public Market at approximately 6:30 am. The pilots were rushed to separate hospitals but succumbed to their injuries.
The Philippine Navy identified the crashed helicopter as their last remaining Robinson R22 trainer. Both pilots belonged to the Naval Air Wing stationed at Sangley Point in Cavite City.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson confirmed the accident and ongoing investigation. They withheld the names of the deceased pilots pending family notification.
The Philippine Navy expressed condolences to the families and pledged full support. They emphasized their commitment to aircraft maintenance but acknowledged the need to prevent similar occurrences. The statement highlighted the importance of a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The loss of the final R22 trainer could impact pilot training schedules until a replacement is acquired. This accident will likely lead to a comprehensive review of training procedures and aircraft maintenance protocols within the Philippine Navy.
The Philippine National Police provided details on the location, time, and the pilots’ information. Further investigation will focus on determining the cause of the emergency landing and the events leading up to the crash.
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