Tragedy strikes as PAF Super Huey chopper crashes in Agusan del Sur during Typhoon 'Tino' relief mission
A Super Huey helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducts aerial search operations over Iloilo-Guimaras Strait after a squall capsized three boats on August 3, 2019. (File photo: PAF)
A helicopter believed to be one of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) few remaining UH-1H Super Huey utility helicopters crashed on in Loreto, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, Nov. 4, while conducting relief operations in areas affected by Typhoon “Tino.”
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma Christina Basco said the aircraft was part of a flight of four helicopters deployed from Davao to Butuan to carry out a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) mission.
She said the PAF lost communication with the Super Huey near the vicinity of the Philippine Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion, prompting the immediate launch of a search and rescue operation.
There is still no official word on possible casualties or the number of personnel onboard.
In a statement, the PAF said it was focusing all efforts on the ongoing search and rescue operations.
“We are praying for the safety of the pilots and crew involved in this unfortunate air mishap,” Basco noted.
A full investigation will follow once the wreckage is located, she added.
The Super Huey is an upgraded version of the UH-1H Huey utility helicopter, a workhorse aircraft that has served the PAF for decades in combat, transport, and disaster response missions.
Tino tore through Visayas and parts of Mindanao, causing deep floods that reached the roof of several houses, and killing at least one individual in Bohol, a man who was crushed by a fallen tree.
The death toll, however, is feared to rise as four other fatalities were being validated by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).