PAF rules out human error in Nomad crash in Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines - Human error did not cause a Nomad plane to crash in Cotabato City, killing an Air Force general and eight other people last month, the Air Force said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters at a news forum in Rembrandt Hotel, Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Gerry Zamudio said aircraft accident investigators have indicated that engine problem might have caused the crash.

“We have ruled out human error in the accident; the focus of the investigation is on the material factor,” he said.

Zamudio said the investigation report was focused on the testimonies of witnesses and the transcript of communication between the pilot and air controller minutes before the accident.

“Engine fatigue happens even in brand new planes,” he said.

Zamudio said the plane’s right engine would be subjected to analysis to determine what triggered the fire on the engine after the plane had taken off.

All parts of the plane have specific number of flying hours before they are replaced, he added.

Zamudio said a propeller may be used up to 2,000 flying hours before it is replaced.

“But before we do that there will be procedures that will be followed for audit purposes; there is nothing irregular in the procedure,” he said.

Zamudio said the results of the investigation would be incorporated in the Air Force’s modernization plan to procure state-of-the-art aircraft.

“The PAF envisions the return of its glorious age when it was considered as the best air force in Southeast Asia,” he said.

Zamudio downplayed the exposé of a detained Air Force pilot who blamed the crash on the supposed cannibalization of aircraft spare parts.

Cannibalization of plane spare parts is allowed in the Air Force to use serviceable parts for the continuity of military operations, he added.