Four members of the Philippine Air Force died from a helicopter crash in Isabela last night, the Armed Forced of the Philippines (AFP) announced today.
AFP spokesman Edgard Arevalo said that two pilots, another officer, and two crewmembers died from the incident. One airman survived the crash and was brought to a hospital for treatment. The AFP has yet to release the names of those involved in the incident.
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“AFP Chief General Felimon Santos, Jr. expresses deep grief and extends condolences and prayers on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the families and colleagues of the airmen who perished in this air operations mishap,” he said in a statement.
A separate statement released last night from the AFP said that the chopper that crashed was a UH-1D #8308 Huey and that it crash-landed while taking off from Cauayan City at about 7pm. The soldiers were supposed to conduct proficiency training while using night vision goggles.
The Air Force said that in light of the incident, all Hueys will be inspected and undergo maintenance. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.
