A Philippine Navy chopper crashed on Thursday killing two pilots on board.

The Robinson R22 light utility helicopter took off from Sangley Airport for training but plunged near a public market in Cavite City, Cavite province, on April 11.

The male pilot, 36, and his female co-pilot, 27, were rushed separately to the Cavite Medical Center and Bautista Hospital but died from their injuries.

Authorities have withheld their identities as their families have not yet been informed about their deaths.

The cause of the crash was still unclear.

Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Public Affairs Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the training aircraft began executing emergency procedures at around 6:45 am.

AFP spokesman Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said: 'A PN Robinson R22 trainer helicopter conducted an emergency landing this morning in the vicinity near of Cavite City Public Market.

'The two navy aviators were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment but succumbed to their injuries.

'An investigation is being done as to the cause of the said incident.'

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy said in a statement: 'Philippine Navy aircraft undergo regular inspection and maintenance to ensure airworthiness. Nevertheless, no stone will be left unturned as we endeavour to prevent this kind of accident from happening again.

'We are withholding the names of the two Navy pilots while we inform their families. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved loved ones. All necessary support will be extended to them.'