At least six Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel are believed dead after one of the Blackhawk choppers recently procured by the military crashed in a remote area in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday night, June 23.
Based on the police report obtained by the Manila Bulletin, there were six PAF personnel on board when it crashed--three officers and three enlisted personnel.
Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, director of the Central Luzon regional police, said police personnel and Air Force investigators immediately went to the crash site.
The Philippine Air Force confirmed the incident in a statement release on Thursday, June 24.
"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," the PAF statement read.
"So far, no survivors have been found. We grieve for the loss. The identities of the aircrew members will be provided as soon as the members of their families are properly notified," the statement added.
The PAF officers are reportedly on a night flight proficiency training when the chopper crashed in Barangay Maruglu in Capas town.
"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." the PAF statement read.
All the other Blackhawks of the PAF were grounded pending the result of the investigation of the incident.