PAF told to forward ‘flash report’ to ‘Sokol’ manufacturers

PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE. Photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/NAC) / Wikipedia

MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has been directed to immediately forward a “flash report” to the manufacturers concerning the crash of one of its W-3A “Sokol” combat utility helicopters in Camp Ranao, Marawi City on Thursday afternoon.

“PAF was directed to inform the ‘Sokol’ manufacturers about the incident. The PAF investigation regarding the air crash is now ongoing,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Friday.

Defense Undersecretary for Modernization Fernando Manalo confirmed this, saying, “We have directed the PAF to make a flash report to the manufacturers.

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When asked whether the crashed “Sokol” was covered by a warranty, Manalo replied, “It is being determined.”

The Philippines acquired its eight W-3A “Sokol” from the joint venture of Polish manufacturer PZL-Swidnik and British-Italian firm AugustaWestland for P2.8 billion.

The helicopters arrived in batches starting February and November 2012 and February 2013 and were assigned to the PAF’s 505th Search and Rescue Group.

They are now being used to conduct rescue operations in times of calamities and transporting VIPs.

The Marawi City mishap was not the first time for the W-3A “Sokol” to encounter problems.

In July 2013, another “Sokol” helicopter (Tail No. 310925) was stuck for five days in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City after failing to take off due to an undisclosed mechanical problem.

The helicopter was supposed to act as the back-up aircraft for Gazmin’s party to a PAF event in Pampanga.