Missing FA-50 found in Bukidnon, 2 pilots perished

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed that the missing FA-50 aircraft was located by ground troops in the Mount Kalatungan Complex, Bukidnon, on 5 March.

“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said on Wednesday.

A full-scale search and rescue operation was launched on 4 March, involving the PAF, the Philippine Army, and civilian volunteers. The military utilized signals from the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter and beacons, while PAF aircraft conducted aerial searches. Despite challenging terrain and dense fog, Army special forces and civilian volunteers were deployed to locate the crash site.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) confirmed that the aircraft was found around 11 AM, Wednesday, with both pilots still aboard. Castillo noted that the pilots were “highly skilled and well-trained” for both day and night operations.

As investigations into the crash continue, the PAF has grounded its FA-50 fleet. Castillo assured that support would be provided to the bereaved families and requested prayers for the fallen pilots.The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the FA-50 aircraft reported missing has been located by ground troops in the vicinity of the Mount Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon province today, 5 March.

“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo told reporters on Wednesday.

“A full-scale search and rescue operation, initiated on March 4, 2025, involved the PAF, Philippine Army, and local civilian volunteers in the mountainous terrain of Bukidnon. The operation prioritized pilot recovery,” she added. 

The military’s rescue team utilized signals from the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter and locator beacons.

Other PAF aircraft also conducted aerial searches.

“Despite challenging conditions, including dense fog and difficult terrain, PAF helicopters successfully deployed Army special forces and civilian volunteers for ground searches,” Castillo said. 

Castillo said the PAF has grounded its FA-50 fleet as it conducts a thorough investigation into the accident.

“We are committed to providing all the necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time. Meanwhile, we also request the nation's prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” she added. 

Earlier today, the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the military’s search and rescue team had already found the aircraft at Mount Kalatungan around 11 AM on Wednesday.

EastMinCom spokesperson Lt. Col. Salvacion Evanglista said the two pilots were found aboard the aircraft at the crash site.

Castillo earlier said the two pilots were “highly skilled and very well trained” for both day and night air operations, but unfortunately, they were involved in the accident.