1 dead, 3 hurt in Bohol helicopter crash
CEBU, Philippines — One died and three others were injured when a MG-520 Military Attack Helicopter of the Philippine Air Force crashed into the seawaters of Barangay Taytay in Getafe town in Bohol at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
A report released by the Getafe Police Station said the helicopter encountered a mechanical problem during a “proficiency flight” from the Mactan Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan, Cebu.
Fishermen who were near the crash site were quick to help the crew members who jumped out of the chopper before personnel of the Getafe Police and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council arrived on a speedboat.
The pilot, Capt. Aurelios Olano did not make it alive to the Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital in Talibon, Bohol.
His companions were identified as 1st Lt. Hilarry Bunao, the co-pilot; A1C Rex Anapio; and A1C Bonn Arasula.
PAF said the families of the crewmembers involved have been informed of the incident and will be provided with financial assistance.
The agency appealed for sensitivity for the sake of the grieving family.
"The men and women of the Philippine Air Force, led by the Commanding General, Lt. General Allen Paredes PAF, deeply grieves the loss of an aircrew who offered his life in the line of duty,” the PAF statement reads.
PAF assured the public that all its air assets undergo regular inspection and maintenance.
"The PAF has grounded the MG520 fleet. It assures the public that all of its air assets are undergoing strict, regular, and redundant maintenance inspections before and after flight missions,” its statement reads further.
Meanwhile, the Getafe police said the Philippine Coast Guard of the Getafe substation and personnel of its base in San Vicente, Trinidad, Bohol have been deployed to the crash site to secure the area.
As of yesterday, the chopper had submerged at an estimated 25 meters down the sea. — JMO (FREEMAN)
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