Pilot Dead in Helicopter Crash in Philippines

A tragic helicopter crash in the northern Philippines on Sunday has resulted in the death of its pilot, according to reports from local authorities.

The Philippine Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the four-seat helicopter, operated by a local airline, crashed after facing difficulties during its flight.

The helicopter had taken off from Manila on Saturday, bound for the mountain town of Baguio, a popular tourist destination.

After dropping off a passenger, the helicopter was en route to a refueling station at the Benalonan airstrip in Pangasinan province, preparing for its return flight to Manila.

Officials at Benalonan Airport reported that the helicopter struggled to restart its engine before it could take off in the late afternoon.

Shortly thereafter, the aircraft crashed into a swampy area in the town of Guimba, located in the Nueva Ecija province, southeast of Pangasinan.

Police authorities confirmed the discovery of the pilot's body, which had been partially submerged in the swamp among the wreckage.