A 25-year-old pilot was killed when a helicopter operated by LionAir Incorporated crashed in Barangay San Miguel, Guimba, Nueva Ecija on the afternoon of Saturday, 01 February 2025. Authorities identified the victim as Julia Flori Po, a resident of Parañaque City.
According to Lt. Col. George Calaud Jr., Guimba Police Chief, Po had flown through Bulacan before heading to Nueva Ecija when the accident occurred. The helicopter, bearing tail number RPC-3424, went down in a swampy area, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and aviation authorities.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that LionAir Incorporated operated the helicopter. The Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (PARCC) received multiple emergency alerts following the crash, which led to the deployment of Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) lead investigator (Ret.) Col. Rhomel Ronda to the crash site to determine the cause of the incident.
Local police officers who arrived at the scene recovered Po’s remains and secured the area to prevent further disturbances while the investigation was ongoing. Authorities are now working closely with CAAP to assess the wreckage and gather evidence that could shed light on what led to the fatal accident.
While initial reports confirm the pilot’s route and crash location, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Officials have assured the public that updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
Helicopter accidents remain a significant concern in Philippine aviation, with authorities consistently emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures. Investigators aim to determine whether weather conditions, mechanical failure, or pilot error played a role in this latest tragedy.
The aviation community mourns the loss of a young pilot as efforts to recover the helicopter and uncover the cause of the crash continue.