Air Force plane crash lands in Zamboanga

Pictures courtesy of Zamboanga City Police

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – A Philippine Air Force (PAF) bomber plane, commonly called OV-10, crashed into the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The 2 pilots were able to eject from the aircraft before it crashed into the open field.

Chief Inspector Felix Martinez said the aircraft is a total wreck. Both pilots are already under observation at a hospital inside EAAB, but have been declared out of danger.

Major Rommel Miguel, spokesperson of the 530th Air Base Wing, said a group of investigators coming from higher headquarters will still conduct a thorough investigation as to why the aircraft crashed.

Sources said the aircraft had difficulty landing, with its right engine already dead while approaching the runway.

Another source said the pilot lost control of the plane after a strong wind blew against it.

Major Miguel refused to comment on this angle, saying the results of their investigation will be released in due time.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga City Police Office, which also conducted a separate investigation, said it will wait for the report of the PAF officials.

The Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force is scheduled to visit his troops in Zamboanga City Thursday.