Pilot killed in helicopter crash in Philippines

Last Updated on February 3, 2025 6:56 am

A pilot has died in a helicopter crash in the northern Philippines. The pilot was the only one on board at the time and had previously dropped off a passenger, Philippine authorities said.

The four-seat helicopter, owned by a local company, flew from the capital Manila to the northern mountain city of Baguio on Saturday and dropped off a passenger there.

The helicopter then landed in Binalonan town in nearby Pangasinan province to refuel before taking off. Binalonan airport authorities said the helicopter had trouble starting its engine before takeoff, but it was finally able to take off before nightfall.

But it crashed shortly after in a swamp in Guimba town in Nueva Ecija province. Police said rescuers recovered the pilot’s body from the wreckage. Part of the crashed helicopter sank into the swamp.

The statement said a detailed investigation is being conducted in coordination with local authorities. Any new information will be reported as soon as it becomes available.

The aviation authority is investigating the cause of the accident. The Philippines has seen a rise in small plane and helicopter accidents in recent years.