PAF to involve S. Korean manufacturer in FA-50 crash probe

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed it will include the South Korean manufacturer of the FA-50 fighter jet in its investigation following the fatal crash on Mount Kalatungan, Bukidnon, last week that claimed the lives of two pilots.

According to PAF spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo, the probe will thoroughly examine both mechanical and human factors behind the crash, especially after the retrieval of the plane’s flight data recorder.

She emphasized that insights from the aircraft's original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), would be crucial in understanding what led to the tragic incident.

“Including the original equipment manufacturer in the investigation is necessary,” Castillo said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Sunday.

She added that while local experts are capable of analyzing the plane’s flight data recorder, consulting KAI would ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

The FA-50 fighter aircraft, a variant of the KAI Golden Eagle, has been in service with the PAF for nearly a decade.

Castillo noted that the aircraft has significantly contributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) operations, including internal security, territorial defense, air support, and reconnaissance missions.

The FA-50 fighter jet, with tail number 002, went missing in the early hours of March 5 during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops. It was later found crashed within the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon.

The PAF confirmed that the flight data recorder had been successfully retrieved and is now being analyzed. However, Castillo said it is too early to draw any conclusions regarding the cause of the crash.

“As of now, we cannot provide any conclusive result. We really need to see the big picture and gather all the necessary details before making any assumptions,” Castillo said in a separate interview with DZRH.

She added that feedback from the Air Force’s operators and maintenance personnel revealed no significant technical issues with the aircraft prior to the mission.

Following the crash, the PAF grounded its remaining FA-50 fleet as part of standard procedure. However, Castillo clarified that the grounding is administrative and not related to any confirmed mechanical defect.

“We call it administrative grounding. But anytime our aircraft is urgently needed for any national concern, we will fly them,” Castillo assured.