Air Force OV-10s grounded following crash

A Bronco belonging to the Philippine Air Force's 15th Strike Command. PAF FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines - Following the crash of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) OV-10 630 Bronco bomber belonging to the 15th Strike Wing off Palawan on Sunday night, the military's OV-10s have been temporarily grounded while investigation on the incident is underway.

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"As per instructions by our PAF chief Lt. Gen. (Lauro Catalino) dela Cruz, all our OV-10s are temporarily grounded. The 15th Strike Wing has also convened a board of inquiry that will lead the crash investigation," Okol said.

He added that the Air Force only has eight remaining OV-10s after the plane with plate 630 crashed Sunday night.

Okol also maintained that the Broncos under the Air Force's care were in good condition even as they were second-hand acquisitions from the United States.

"They have received a good number of upgrades, and we maintain them very well," he said.

The PAF's OV-10 planes are designed for surveillance and short flights, and also carried heavy ammunition such as rockets and bombs.

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