Philippine Air Force pilot dies in FA-50 crash

Philippine Air Force Lieutenant April John 'AJ' Dadulla, who was set to marry fellow pilot First Lieutenant Alyssa Columbino on March 15th, died after his FA-50 fighter jet crashed near Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon on March 4.

Dadulla's remains were recovered from the crash site along with those of co-pilot Major Jude Salang-oy and will be flown to Villamor Airbase for military honors by Friday or Saturday.

The family, including Dadulla's brother Jovenell, visited their loved one's remains at a funeral home in Cagayan de Oro on Thursday evening, March 6, 2025.

Tributes poured for Dadulla, who was remembered as a dedicated officer and loving fiancé with plans to marry in Pangasinan.

The Philippine Air Force is investigating possible mechanical issues, human factors, environmental conditions that may have contributed to the crash, including examining the flight data recorder which can help determine the speed, elevation, and condition of the aircraft at the time of the incident.