10 soldiers cheat death in PAF helicopter mishap

MANILA, Philippines - Ten military personnel narrowly escaped death yesterday morning when an Air Force helicopter they were riding, while on landing maneuver, spinned several times before hitting the ground on its side in a remote town in Lanao del Sur.

Lt. Col. Gerardo Zamudio, spokesman of the Philippine Air Force said that of the 10 military men, only one was slightly injured in the mishap involving a UH-1H helicopter gunship.

Zamudio said the aircraft piloted by Capt. Roy Philip Agohob and 2nd Lt. Edbert Lina, along with another UH-1H helicopter, was conducting re-supply and insertion operations in the vicinity of Piagapo town at about 9:30 a.m. when the accident happened.

“Nasa ligtas na kalagayan ang mga pasahero ng Huey na na-involved sa aksidente. Isa lang sa mga sakay na sundalo ang nasugatan,” Zamudio said.

The aircraft came upon a military camp in Marawi and was already about to land in Piagapo when strong winds forced the helicopter to the ground.

“Na-off balance dahil sa sobrang lakas ng hangin,” Zamudio said, adding that the second aircraft was able to land safely.

Army troops were deployed in the accident site to secure the two aircrafts while Air Force technicians were dispatched to the area to conduct inspection and repairs on the slightly damaged helicopter.