Authorities have recovered the cockpit voice recorder of the medical evacuation plane RP-C5880 bound to Japan that crashed at the NAIA last night.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) explained the recorder has the last conversation of the pilot and tower before the accident.
The CAAP shared the probe will be led by Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board while the Flight Safety Investigation Committee will inspect if there were any violations on safety procedures committed by the aircraft or its crew.
CAAP Spokesperson Erik Apolonio bared the investigation may take six months to a year. He added they will inspect the wreckage of the plane and interview witnesses. The flight recorder of the plane will also be sent abroad for inspection.
Lionair Incorporated, the owner of the plane, is currently grounded. It has been communicating with the families of the eight victims.
The CAAP revealed that the plane has been delivering medical supplies for use against COVID-19.
The CAAP also said they are aware of another Lionair plane crash that killed nine persons in Calamba, Laguna in September last year.
“The initial step we are looking into is grounding the whole fleet, it’s quite alarming. We are looking into records of these unfortunate event that happened to Lionair,” CAAP Deputy Director0General for Operations Don Mendoza added.
