Polish supplier of Sokol chopper to help in crash probe

MANILA, Philippines - The Polish firm that supplied the Sokol helicopter that crashed in Marawi last Thursday has vowed to help the Air Force determine the cause of the accident, a military official said.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya said aircraft manufacturer PZL-?widnik S.A. has been informed about the mishap, which left two persons wounded.

“Manufacturer is already notified through their local representative and they shall assist the Philippine Air Force in the determination of the cause of the accident,” Canaya said in a text message on Saturday.  

Canaya said the investigation might take time but claimed that efforts are underway to expedite it. He said the ill-fated helicopter is still on the crash site.

“It is still there but we are moving it to a secured place where investigators can further examine the parts for clues. I have no information yet where it will be moved,” the Air Force official said.

“Efforts were already done to determine the damage to properties caused by the accident,” he added.

Canaya said the seven remaining Sokol helicopters in their inventory would remain grounded until the investigation of the crash is completed.

The ill-fated helicopter crashed at 2:23 p.m., only a few seconds after it took off at the 103rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Marawi City.

The aircraft escorted another Sokol carrying Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

It was carrying 4th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, 4th Infantry Division Inspector-General Col. Alexander Macario, five staff members of Gazmin and four crew members, including two pilots.

Of the helicopter’s 11 passengers, only the gunner, Air Force S/Sgt. Darius Valdes, was hurt during the accident. Also injured was Santiago Savedra, a civilian who happened to be in the area when the helicopter crashed.

The government bought eight Sokol combat utility helicopters from PZL-?widnik S.A. for P2.8 billion. The package included ground support equipment, spare parts, support services and training for aircrew and maintainers.

The first batch, which consisted of four helicopters, was delivered in February 2012 while the second batch, which consisted of two Sokols, arrived nine months later. The final batch composed of two helicopters was delivered February last year.