A BRAND-NEW Black Hawk utility helicopter crash landed in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday evening, June 23, 2021, while in the conduct of a night flight training, the Philippine Air Force confirmed on Thursday, June 24, 2021.
In a statement, the Philippine Air Force said a S-70i Black Hawk utility helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing went down a few miles from Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac.
No survivors have been found. PAF search, retrieval and recovery operation is ongoing.
“The identities of the aircrew members will be provided as soon as the members of their families are properly notified,” PAF said in a statement.
“We grieve for the loss. The PAF will conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the circumstances of this unfortunate incident,” it added.
All Black Hawk utility helicopters have been grounded until the conclusion of the investigation.
The Philippine government has procured a total of 16 Sikorsky S70-i Black Hawk helicopters from Polish company Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Sp.z.o.o.
Six arrived last year while five arrived on June 7, 2021.
The last five Black Hawks are expected to be delivered in November 2021. (SunStar Philippines)