Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Life of Female Pilot

A devastating helicopter crash in Sitio Arimung-mong, Barangay San Miguel, Guimba, Nueva Ecija, claimed the life of a female pilot on Saturday afternoon. The incident, reported around 5 p.m., has sparked a thorough investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Initial reports indicate that the light helicopter, tail number RP-C3424, crashed into a swampy rice field. Local residents heard the impact and immediately alerted the police. First responders, along with brave local residents, including a fisherman named George Lutao, worked to recover the pilot’s body from the submerged helicopter. Mr. Lutao recounted the harrowing experience, describing the pilot as still warm when he discovered her, and his efforts to cut her seatbelt to free her from the wreckage. Despite the swift response and attempts at CPR by Police Cpl. Raymark Duque, the pilot was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

The CAAP has launched a full investigation, led by (Ret.) Rhomel Ronda of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB). The helicopter’s flight path is being examined, with information revealing it departed from Baguio in the morning, transported a passenger, and refueled in Binalonan, Pangasinan, before the fatal crash. Interestingly, Binalonan Airport officials noted engine trouble before the helicopter’s 4:30 p.m. takeoff. Adding to the investigation’s complexity, the Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center detected multiple emergency locator transmitter (ELT) alerts after the crash.

While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, PAGASA reports confirm that weather conditions were not a significant factor. The pilot’s family has since claimed her remains. The presence of senatorial candidate Willie Revillame at the crash site has also been noted, suggesting a personal connection to the deceased pilot.

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