Passenger Erma Escalante Survives Plane Crash in Isabela, Pilot Levy Abul II Found Dead

Accident – death – Obituary News : Rescue operations are still underway in Isabela, Philippines, as search teams continue to look for a passenger who is believed to have survived a plane crash. The Isabela Incident Management Team (IMT) announced on Thursday, December 7, that efforts are ongoing to locate the passenger who “appears to have survived” the Piper PA-32-300 plane crash.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the pilot of the light aircraft, Captain Levy Abul II, was tragically confirmed dead. However, signs have been found near the wreckage that suggest the passenger, identified as Erma Escalante, may have been able to camp out. IMT spokesperson Josh Hapinat reported that a makeshift shelter was discovered close to the crash site, but Escalante herself was not found in the immediate vicinity.

“The lone passenger was not found in the vicinity. However, she appears to have survived the crash as indicated by a makeshift shelter that she presumably put up near the wreckage,” stated Hapinat.

Upon reaching the wreckage at around 11 am on Thursday, December 7, rescuers discovered the lifeless body of Captain Levy Abul II. The remains of the pilot will be transported to the Tactical Operations Group 2 (TOG2) in Cauayan City, Isabela.

In order to aid in the search operations, CAAP has arranged for K-9 tracker teams to be deployed. These trained dogs will be brought to TOG2 and then flown and dropped near the wreckage. Starting from the crash site, the K-9 trackers will follow the path taken by the passenger, using the scent she left on the vegetation.

Hapinat assured that the families of both the pilot and the passenger have been informed about their current status. It has been confirmed that the light plane involved in the incident is owned by Fliteline Airways and operated by Cyclone Airways.

The aircraft went missing on November 30 after departing from Cauayan Airport en route to Palanan Airport, also in Isabela. Efforts to locate and rescue the surviving passenger continue, with hopes of a successful outcome..