Bodies of six airmen recovered after Philippine military helicopter crash in Mindanao

A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Super Huey helicopter crashed on November 4 in Barangay Sabud, Loreto, Agusan del Sur, killing all six personnel on board, military officials confirmed. The aircraft went down near the base of the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion, under the 10th Infantry Division.

The Bell UH-1H Super Huey, part of a four-helicopter formation flying from Davao City to Butuan City, was conducting a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) mission for areas affected by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi). Communication was lost at 11:37 local time (LT) about 42 minutes after take-off at 10:55 LT.

An Army search unit later found the wreckage close to the battalion headquarters. “The Army recovered the six bodies in the crash site,” PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Christina Basco said. She clarified earlier reports that only five people were aboard, confirming that two pilots and four crew members from the 505th Search and Rescue Group were on the flight.

Basco stated that weather conditions were “not really bad” at the time of the flight. All four aircraft departed Davao City under clear conditions; the other three reached Butuan City safely, while the Super Huey lost radio contact and failed to respond, prompting immediate search operations.

The crash was confirmed at 11:56 LT, about 19 minutes after contact was lost. Recovery and security teams from the Army and Air Force secured the area and began retrieval operations. The remains of the six personnel were brought to a local facility for forensic identification, which was still pending as of November 5.

Later the same day, the Philippine Air Force announced that it had completed the retrieval of all six aircrew members. The official statement said the aircraft had been on a humanitarian assistance and disaster response mission in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino when the accident occurred. It added that an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.

Following standard procedure, the Philippine Air Force has grounded all Super Huey helicopters while the investigation proceeds. An Air Force Board of Inquiry and Scene-of-the-Crime Operatives have been deployed to determine possible technical or operational causes.

The Super Huey, a locally upgraded variant of the U.S.-built UH-1H utility helicopter, has been a primary platform in the PAF’s humanitarian assistance, disaster-response, and search-and-rescue operations. The type has been in Philippine service for decades and remains essential for operations in mountainous and island terrain. Investigators have not yet released findings indicating whether mechanical or environmental factors caused the accident.

The Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the PAF extended condolences to the families of the deceased and said assistance will be provided. The PAF said the fallen airmen’s dedication and service would be remembered with honor.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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