March 9, 2025 – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will include the South Korean manufacturer of the FA-50 fighter jet in its ongoing investigation into last week’s fatal crash at Mount Kalatungan, Bukidnon.
PAF spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo confirmed that experts will examine the flight data recorder, but additional input from Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI)—the jet’s original equipment manufacturer—will be required.
“We will call on the original equipment manufacturer from South Korea as part of our thorough investigation,” Castillo stated in an interview.
Crash Details & Investigation
- The FA-50PH (tail number 002) crashed during a tactical night operation on March 5.
- Two pilots were killed, and their remains were recovered the next morning.
- The wreckage was declared a total loss.
- Possible causes include mechanical failure or human factors.
Current FA-50 Fleet Status
- The PAF grounded all FA-50s but said they could be flown if urgently needed.
- The Air Force originally had 12 FA-50PH jets, used for air defense, reconnaissance, and training.
- Plans to acquire 12 more advanced FA-50 Block 20 jets remain in place.
Honoring the Fallen Pilots
- A vigil is ongoing at Villamor Air Base, with plans to move it to Basa Air Base so fellow airmen can pay their last respects.
- By Wednesday, the remains of the pilots will be brought to their respective hometowns.