Probers blame human error for Quezon crash

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) yesterday said “human error” or “pilot error” was the cause of the crash of a four-seater Robinson 44 helicopter that killed six people, including outgoing Quezon Gov. Rafael Nantes, last May 17.

“Normally, a helicopter should take off against the wind, but the RP-C2550 took off with the wind,” says Capt. Amado Soliman, vice chairman of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.

The pilot was identified as Capt. N.C. Sanchez.

All aircraft, including helicopters, take off facing the direction where the wind is blowing to increase the lift.

In the case of the R-44 helicopter, investigators found out that it took off with the wind behind it, thus forcing the tiny aircraft to lurch downward, contributing to its failure to gain altitude and thus hitting the ground.

Nantes sought re-election under the Liberal Party where he was the treasurer, but lost to David Suarez of the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Following the crash, CAAP Director General Alfonso Cusi grounded all 50-plus R-44 helicopters in the country, while investigators were trying to determine the cause of the mishap that killed four passengers and two others on the ground.

With the finding of human error, all the grounded R-44 helicopters could soon be cleared and allowed to fly, the CAAP said.