THE PHILIPPINE Air Force (PAF) is grieving the tragic deaths of Major Jude S. Salang-Oy and First Lieutenant April John B. Dadulla, who were killed in a plane crash in Mount Kalatungan, Bukidnon, on March 4, 2025.
The pilots were conducting a tactical night operation to support the ground troops when the fatal incident occurred, the PAF confirmed in a press release issued on March 6, 2025.
Major Salang-Oy, a seasoned pilot from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab Diwa” Class of 2014, had served the PAF for over a decade, participating in numerous critical missions.
First Lieutenant Dadulla, a graduate of the PAF Officer Candidate Course “Sinaglawin” Class of 2020, was recognized for his exceptional skills and proficiency, qualifying him to fly the PAF’s most advanced fighter aircraft.
“Until their last moments, both pilots embodied unwavering dedication and commitment to serving the nation,” stated Colonel Ma. Consuelo N. Castillo, Chief of the Air Force Public Affairs Office.
The PAF extended its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the fallen airmen.
“The heroism, selflessness, and bravery displayed by these pilots will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of airmen to serve with the same courage, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” the statement said.
The PAF is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Search and rescue team traced the pilot locator beacons to the wreckage site of the missing Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jet in Mt. Kalatungan, Barangay Mirayon, Talakag, Bukidnon at around 9 a.m. on March 5, 2025.
Tragically, the team, led by the 1st Special Forces Battalion under the 403rd Brigade, confirmed that both pilots did not survive the crash.
Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said, “The FA-50 and the pilots were found in Mt. Kalatungan. They were located at a high altitude, and recovery efforts are ongoing.
The FA-50 was part of a three-jet flight that took off from Mactan Air Base in Cebu around 11:34 p.m. on March 4. The flight lead lost contact with the jet approximately 40 nautical miles from the target area. The other two FA-50s landed safely at Mactan Air Base around 12:49 a.m.
Despite the communication loss, the pilot of the missing jet reportedly continued the mission and dropped ordnance on the target. Attempts to re-establish contact during the return flight to Mactan were unsuccessful.
