Air Force chopper in Agusan del Sur crash 'reliable, okay,' says spox

The Philippine Air Force (AFP) said Wednesday the Super Huey helicopter that crashed in Agusan del Sur, killing six aircrew, was “reliable” and ”okay.”

At a press conference, PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Christina Basco said the involved chopper was a refurbished aircraft acquired by the military in 2011.

“This is a refurbished aircraft. It's been with the Air Force since 2011. And it has been reconfigured to operational standards and airworthiness. It's a very reliable aircraft,” Basco said.

“Ito nga po ang ginagamit ng ating 505 Search and Rescue Group lalo na nga po sila po yung in charge sa humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) so okay naman po itong aircraft na ‘to. And we use this in all our HADR operations,” she added.

(This is what our 505 Search and Rescue Group uses, especially those in charge of HADR. So this aircraft is okay. And we use this in all our HADR operations.)

Basco said that PAF conducts periodic maintenance inspections to ensure that aircraft are full mission capable before taking off.

“Kapag may nakita po tayong any discrepancy, hindi po natin yan pinapa-take off,” she added.

(When we see any discrepancy, we don't allow them to take off.)

Basco said the aircraft was from the United States.

Following the incident, two remaining Super Huey choppers have been grounded, according to PAF.

Asked if the weather condition was a factor in the crash, Basco said the PAF observes wind conditions before flight.

“Meron po tayo ino-observe na wind limitations or wind conditions. So, kapag hindi po favorable yung wind conditions natin, we do not take off because safety of our aircrew is paramount,” she said.

(We are observing wind limitations or wind conditions. So, when our wind conditions are not favorable, we do not take off because safety of our aircrew is paramount.)

“So, noong time na yun, naka-take-off po sila and they were able to conduct that mission nga po sana. Unfortunately, nangyari na po itong mishap,” she added.

(So, at that time, they took off and they were able to conduct that mission, supposed to be. Unfortunately, this mishap has occurred.)

Asked if there was a possible human error, Basco said investigators are also looking into it among other factors.

“Sa ngayon, that is also among the factors. However, we cannot pinpoint exactly as of now kung ano po ‘yun hanggat hindi natatapos yung investigation,” she added.

(At the moment, that is also among the factors. However, we cannot pinpoint exactly as of now what it is until the investigation is completed.)

On Tuesday, the helicopter was conducting humanitarian operations for communities affected by Typhoon Tino when it crashed in the vicinity of Loreto town.

The PAF said it lost communication with the chopper, prompting the PAF to immediately launch a search and rescue operation.

Six bodies were later recovered. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News