The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is continuing to investigate the crash of its Super Huey helicopter in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, which resulted in the death of six members of its team. The incident occurred while they were conducting a mission for rapid damage assessment following the impact of Typhoon Tino.
According to Colonel Ma. Christina Basco, PAF spokesperson, the Super Huey took off from Davao City with three other helicopters—two Black Hawks and a Bell. The Super Huey lost contact while en route to Butuan City. The accompanying aircraft tracked it down but were unable to land immediately due to the steep terrain.
Basco said they are investigating all possible causes of the accident—including weather, technical problems, or human error. According to him, the chopper was able to take off after ensuring that weather and wind conditions were safe. Investigators are still at the crash site searching for the flight data recorder or black box.
The Super Huey is a refurbished helicopter from the United States that was purchased in 2011. According to Basco, it is a reliable aircraft and is regularly used in search and rescue operations. However, while the investigation continues, the PAF has temporarily grounded the rest of its Super Huey helicopters.
Among the dead were two pilots and four crew members from the 505th Search and Rescue Group. One of them was Muslim, so the process of identifying the remains is underway to return them to their families. The PAF has pledged full support—financial, emotional, and spiritual—to the bereaved families of the heroic airmen.
