Black Hawk Philippine Air Force crashed
On 23 June 2021 during night flight training, the Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (PAF, Philippine Air Force) lost one their recently delivered Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.
The Black Hawk, operated by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, was on a flight from Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas (Tarlac) to Clark Airfield, when the mishap occurred. So far, no survivors have been found.
In the meantime, all Black Hawk operations are cancelled until the conclusion of the investigation. The serial of the Black Hawk is not known yet.
In 2019, the PAF ordered sixteen Black Hawks in a government-to-government deal with Poland. On 4 February 2021, just two months after the first delivery, President Duterte had given the green light to start the acquisition for another fifteen Black Hawks for the air force. The definite order is believed to be signed in 2022, although the exact number might differ due to budget restraints. See the Scramble Magazine news item of 5 February 2021.
The Black Hawks will replace the UH-1s with the air force and are operated by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. Delivery of the remaining five Black Hawks is expected to be completed before the end of September 2021.
Scramble Magazine reported on both deliveries in November 2020 and early June 2021.
Photo: Philippine Air Force