The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has grounded its fleet of UH-1D “Huey” helicopters following the fatal crash of one in Tanay, Rizal, the other day that killed the pilot and two crew members.
The grounding will pave the way for the inspection of the helicopters, as part of the PAF’s standard operating procedures, PAF public information office director Col. Antonio Francisco Jr. said.
The PAF identified the fatalities as Capt. Christian Paul Litan, the pilot-in-command; Staff Sgt. Byron Tolosa, crew chief, and Airman First Class Joseph de Leon, gunner.
The copilot, 1st Lt. Ceazar Rimas, 27, of General Trias City, Cavite, was injured and remains confined at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City.
The helicopter with tail number 8469 reportedly experienced mechanical problems and crash-landed at around 2:56 p.m. on Thursday in Sitio Hilltop, Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined. (Inquirer)
Many Factors Being Considered in UH-1D Chopper Crash: PAF
MANILA -- Investigators are looking into mechanical failure, bird strike and other factors in the UH-1D helicopter crash in Tanay, Rizal last Thursday that killed three Air Force personnel and wounded another.
"I cannot give you any detail but (the crash) will pass through a very thorough investigation. We still have to consider lots of things, like the environment and what other features the crash site has -- if it has obstacles, bird strike and (whether) mechanical factors are also involved," Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco has said.
Following the crash, the Air Force grounded the other five UH-1Ds in service for inspection, based on standard procedures.
The UH-1D with tail number number 8469, piloted by Capt. Christian Paul Titan and co-piloted by 1st Lt. Ceazar Rimas, was executing landing procedures when it crash-landed and went up in flames, killing Titan; helicopter gunner, Airman 1st Class Joseph de Leon; and Air Force crew chief, Sgt. Byron Tolosa.
Rimas survived the crash and is on stable but guarded condition at the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Medical Center (AFP-MC) in V. Luna, Quezon City. (PNA)
single engine problem
BalasHapusmore like aging problem and lack of maintenance? .. i guess this was the same heli that were used in that 1970 movie apocalypse now..
BalasHapusmore like aging problem and lack of maintenance? .. i guess this was the same heli that were used in that 1970 movie apocalypse now..
BalasHapus