Air Force chopper crashes in Cagayan de Oro

A Philippine Air Force Huey Helicopter crashes inside the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division on February 4, 2015. No one is hurt of the crash. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – A Huey combat utility helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed in Cagayan de Oro Wednesday afternoon, February 4, prompting the military to ground all of its choppers of the same type pending the result of the investigation.

“A PAF helicopter, UH-1H with tail number 518, rolled over while it was about to take off inside 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro. It has 4 people on board,” said PAF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya.

The Huey was carrying two pilots and two crewmembers, one of whom sprained his leg.

[WATCH] 2 PAF pilots killed in Batangas during practice air exhibition for Nasugbu’s Liberation Day

Canaya said the Huey was able to fly 3-5 feet above ground before it crashed and rolled over, damaging the aircraft.

It was on its way back to the nearby Lumbia Airport after transporting 4th ID chief Major General Oscar Lactao and 6 military staff from the 402nd Brigade headquarters in Butuan City, according to Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey.

The PAF Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 10 is based in Lumbia airport.

“UH-1Hs are grounded. We shall inform the public as soon as further updates reach this headquarters,” Canaya added.

The crash happened after two Air Force pilots were killed when their plane crashed during a 3-aircraft formation training in Batangas.