On Thursday, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said no survivors were found after a S-70i Black Hawk Utility Helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing crashed in Capas, Tarlac.
PAF said the helicopter was earlier reported to be late from the estimated time of return to its station at Clark Air Base, Pampanga.
“So far, no survivors have been found,” the PAF said, but search, retrieval, and recovery operations are ongoing.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said three pilots and three airmen were killed in the Blackhawk helicopter crash.
“We at the DND extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the three pilots and three airmen of an S-70i Blackhawk helicopter of the Philippine Air Force who perished when their plane crashed in the vicinity of Crow Valley near Clark Air Base, Pampanga, after undertaking a night proficiency flight on Wednesday evening, June 23,” DND director Arsenio Andolong said.
“In the meantime, the entire Blackhawk fleet are grounded while the incident is being investigated,” he added.
The names of the personalities involved would be released once the members of their families were informed.
“We grieve for the loss. The PAF will conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the circumstances of this unfortunate incident,” the PAF said.
No survivors found in S-70i Blackhawk helicopter crash in Tarlac
For now, the PAF said all the other Blackhawk helicopters would not be used until the investigation is finished.
According to PAF, “night flight proficiency trainings are part of the capabilities of the pilots and crew, in this case, the Blackhawk S70i, prior their full deployment to assist our frontline units in their missions.”