A co-pilot died mid-flight on Sat en route from Singapore to Cebu, but the plane carrying 136 passengers and six crew membets was able to land safely at the Mactan International Airport.
According to initial investigations, 45-year-old First Officer Margarito Auza Austria Jr. was rushed to the Mactan Doctors Hospital after landing because he “became incapacitated due to the sudden onset of a medical condition.” He was declared dead on arrival.
Asturia’s death prompted an investigation from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The incident might require a review of the airlines’ current medical program, Cebu Daily News reports.
“All flight crew are required to submit an annual medical certificate before they can renew their licenses to fly any aircraft,” explained CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio.
Austria reportedly submitted a clean bill of health.
Cebu Pacific is now cooperating with CAAP in the investigations.
According to Cebu Daily News, “The late pilot was from San Rogue, Talibon, Bohol and was a nursing graduate at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.”
He was in the Air Force for 20 years prior to joining Cebu Pacific.
Reader Interactions