A Philippine Air Force (PAF) S-70i Black Hawk helicopter conducting post-typhoon assessment operations made a precautionary landing in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte on November 5 after its crew detected fluctuating temperature readings on one of its engines.
All personnel on board were confirmed safe. Local authorities immediately assisted the crew as the aircraft was secured for technical inspection.
The helicopter had been deployed for Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis in areas struck by Typhoon Tino.
According to the PAF, the pilot initiated the precautionary landing after observing irregular engine temperature behavior, prompting the decision to set the aircraft down rather than risk further flight.
The twin-engine configuration of the S-70i enables controlled landing procedures even with one power plant compromised, a feature that contributed to the safe outcome.
The incident comes on the heels of a tragic crash involving another PAF helicopter in Agusan del Sur just a day earlier, which resulted in six fatalities during humanitarian operations.
The proximity of the two events shows the demanding operational environment faced by the Air Force, particularly during consecutive disaster-response missions.
While the safe landing reflects disciplined adherence to safety protocols, it also raises broader questions about fleet strain, maintenance cycles and the sheer tempo of air operations during natural calamities.
Aviation experts note that precautionary landings are signs of a functioning safety system rather than failure.
Still, the repeated deployment of aircraft in harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain heightens risks that require continuous attention, investment and logistical readiness.
A Brief History
The Black Hawk helicopter family traces its origins to the 1970s when Sikorsky Aircraft developed the UH-60 Black Hawk for the U.S. Army as a successor to the UH-1 Huey.
The prototype first flew in 1974, and the model entered service in 1979. Built for resilience, lift capability and battlefield versatility, it quickly became one of the world’s most widely used military helicopters.
The S-70i variant used by the Philippines is the international export version produced by PZL Mielec in Poland.
Equipped with modern avionics and designed for demanding mission profiles, the S-70i is capable of transport, rescue, disaster-response and cargo operations.
The Philippines has become one of the largest operators of the type in Asia after acquiring multiple batches of S-70i units beginning in 2019.
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