The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed on Thursday, June 24, that one of its helicopters crashed in Tarlac.
PAF said that a S-70i Black Hawk Utility helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing figured in a mishap while conducting nigh flight training on Wednesday, June 23, near the Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac.
"The helicopter was earlier reported to be late from the estimated time of return to its station at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, thus prompted the eventual search," PAF said in a statement.
The Department of National Defense has also announced that the three pilots, and three airmen onboard the helicopter perished during the crash.
PAF promised to conduct a thorough inquiry to determine the circumstances that resulted to the unfortunate incident, and has grounded all of its S-70i 'Black Hawk' helicopters.
"Night flight proficiency training are part of the 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," PAF explained.
"Although with inherent risks, this competency is vital and necessary for the transport and logistics requirements of Unified Commands," PAF added.
