14 dead in PAF helicopter crashes since January

MANILA, Philippines — Three air mishaps involving Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopters have claimed the lives of 14 pilots and airmen since January.

The military said investigations into the accidents have yet to be completed.

Seven passengers of a UH-1H Huey of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing died when it crashed in Bulonay, Bukidnon in January. The helicopter was on a resupply mission for the 8th Infantry Battalion when the accident occurred.

In April, a PAF pilot died while three others were injured after an MD520MG helicopter of the 15th Strike Wing crashed in Jetafe, Bohol.

On Wednesday, three pilots and three airmen died when an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the vicinity of Crow Valley near Clark Air Base in Pampanga during a night proficiency training.

The PAF bought 16 Black Hawk helicopters from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze worth $241.4 million.

The PAF said it is coordinating with the Polish company and Lockheed Martin Global Inc. for technical assistance in the investigation.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered the grounding of the entire Black Hawk fleet following the accident.

Citing the topography of the site of the crash and unpredictable weather, the PAF said recovery and retrieval operations were ongoing as of yesterday.

”The families of the crew... have been informed. The PAF assures them that all the necessary support, aid and assistance will be provided,” it said.