Air Force chopper deployed for typhoon ops crashes in Agusan del Sur

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Air Force Super Huey helicopter crashed on Tuesday, November 4, in Agusan del Sur while on a relief mission amid the onslaught of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), the PAF confirmed. 

The aircraft was part of a flight of four helicopters that took off from Davao City for Butuan to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) mission. It went down near the area of the 60th Infantry Battalion, the Air Force said in a statement.

"Communication with the helicopter was lost, which immediately prompted the launch of a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation," the Air Force said. 

Search and rescue operations are underway. The Air Force has yet to confirm any casualties. 

“The PAF is focusing all efforts on the ongoing SAR operations. We are praying for the safety of the pilots and crew involved in this unfortunate air mishap,” the statement read.

A team has been deployed to investigate the cause of the crash. The Air Force said additional information will be released once verified.

All other Huey choppers have been grounded following the incident.

In March, an FA-50 fighter of the Air Force crashed during an anti-insurgency mission in Bukidnon, killing two pilots.