TANAY, RIZAL — The mishap involving one FA-50 fighter jet of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) last 4 March in Bukidnon province “points to a confluence of factors,” but no technical or mechanical problem.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, in a press conference at Camp Capinpin in Tanay on Tuesday, said, “This mishap was caused by many factors that interplayed. It was very clear, based on the data that was extracted and assessed, that there was no technical or mechanical problem that caused it.”
Castillo said these factors included the inherent risk of night flying over mountainous terrain and complicated multi-aircraft combat operations.
“The confluence of factors is attributable to inherent risks of elements such as night flying and flying over mountainous terrain. At the same time, there are the operational risks and the complexity of operating multiple aircraft in a combat situation. These are the factors that interplay, causing the mishap,” she said.
Also, Castillo pointed out that flying over mountainous terrain induced further difficulties.
“Whenever flying over mountainous terrain, there are other factors — the visibility, the wind conditions — and besides that it is very difficult to fly multiple aircraft. So there’s a lot of coordination that needs to be done flawlessly,” she said.
“We emphasize that the event was caused by a confluence of factors interplaying at that moment. First is the inherent risk of night flying — it’s a very difficult mission, considering also that it is a combat mission,” she added.
Following the ill-fated incident, Castillo said the PAF is committed to ensuring the enhancement of safety protocols in its air operations.
She said the PAF has reviewed different aspects, including mission planning, preparation and the way they execute their tactics techniques and procedures in air operations.