HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
Nr: 06-01S-2021 24 June 2021 Date Auth: LTC MAYNARD P MARIANO PAF (GSC)
Chief, Air Force Public Affairs Office Telefax: (632) 853-5023 local: 6629/6529 Cellphone #:09772967132 E-mail: pafpio12@gmail.com Website: https://www.paf.mil.ph/
PAF STATEMENT ON HELICOPTER MISHAP
Last night, June 23, 2021 a S-70i Black Hawk Utility Helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing on a night flight training figured in a mishap a few miles from Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac. The helicopter was earlier reported to be late from the estimated time of return to its station at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, thus, prompting the eventual search. As of this writing, PAF search, retrieval, and recovery teams are diligently at work. Night flight proficiency trainings are part of the capabilities of the pilots and crew, in this case the Blackhawk S70i, prior to their full deployment to assist our frontline units in their missions. Although with inherent risks, this competency is vital and necessary for the transport and logistics requirements of Unified Commands. So far, no survivors have been found. The identities of the aircrew members will be provided as soon as the members of their families are properly notified. We grieve for the loss. The PAF will conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the circumstances of this unfortunate incident. For the meantime, all the other Blackhawks will not be flown until the conclusion of the investigation. # # # # #
