2 killed in Navy chopper crash in Cavite – AFP

This photo provided by Police Regional Office 4A shows the Philippine Navy helicopter that crashed near Cavite City Public Market on Thursday morning, April 11, 2024. Two pilots were killed in the incident, according to the military. | PHOTO: Police Regional Office 4A

PAMPANGA, Philippines — A Philippine Navy (PN) helicopter crashed near Cavite City Public Market on Thursday morning, killing two pilots, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

“A PN Robinson R22 trainer helicopter conducted an emergency landing this morning [near] Cavite City Public Market,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a Viber message.

“The two navy aviators were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment but succumbed to their injuries,” she said.

Padilla said families of the pilots have already been informed about their death.

In a separate statement, PN identified the victims as Lt. John Kyle Borres, 36, and his female co-pilot Ensign Izzah Leonah Taccad, 27 — both assigned at the Naval Air Wing Sangley Point Cavite City.

According to another report from the Police Regional Office 4A, the two were rushed to hospital, but the male victim was declared dead on arrival, while his co-pilot expired while undergoing treatment.

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The Navy reported thatthe chopper took off from Sangley Airport early Thursday morning to conduct a training flight when the incident occurred around 6 a.m.

It added that the helicopter used by the victims was its last Robinson R22 trainer helicopter.

“All similar aircraft are temporarily grounded while a thorough investigation rolls out to determine the cause of the crash,” the Navy said.

“Philippine Navy aircraft undergo regular inspection and maintenance to ensure airworthiness. Nevertheless, no stone will be left unturned as we endeavor to prevent this kind of accident from happening again,” it added.