Philippine Air Force C130 crashes in Sulu

[Old55]

Sadly an older C130 crashed well short of the runway while attempting to land in Sulu. 

45 killed in Sulu military plane crash

JUL 4, 2021 2:47 PM PHT

RAPPLER.COM

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says the probe seeks 'to get to the bottom of the C-130 incident'

 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered a full investigation into the military plane crash that killed at least 45 people in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday, July 4. 

In a tweet, Lorenzana said the probe seeks "to get to the bottom of the C-130 incident, as soon as the rescue and recovery operation is completed." 

The C-130 Hercules military plane was carrying 96 people when it crashed after it "missed the runway trying to regain power" before noon Sunday. 

"I ask everyone to join us in praying for the the pilots, crew, passengers of the ill-fated C-130 aircraft, as well as their families," Lorenzana said.

Most of the passengers were new soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) training unit of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, most of whom were locals from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. 

The plane was also carrying five military vehicles.

Malacañang said it was "deeply saddened" by the incident.

"Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we are one in praying for the safe recovery of the passengers," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, expressed condolences to the families of those killed during the mishap, adding that her office was ready to help in any way.

"Buo ang aking tiwala sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at iba pang ahensiya na kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng search and retrieval operations (I have full trust in the AFP and other government agencies regarding the ongoing search and retrieval operations)," she said in a statement.

Other countries also sent their condolences to the Philippines on Sunday after the crash.

The C-130 incident is the second incident involving military aircrafts in less than a month. On June 23, six people were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a night training flight. – Rappler.com

 

Countries send condolences after military plane crash in Sulu

JUL 4, 2021 5:57 PM PHT

SOFIA TOMACRUZ

 

(4th UPDATE) 'We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away in the crash in Sulu,' says United States Chargé d’Affaires John Law

 

Countries sent their condolences to the Philippines after a C-130 Hercules military plane crashed in Patikul, Sulu, on Sunday, July 4, killing at least 45 people. 

“We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away in the crash in Sulu,” United States Chargé d’Affaires John Law said in a tweet on Sunday. 

Law said the US was assisting the Department of National Defense (DND) in providing medical support and “stands ready to provide further assistance.”

German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel also offered thoughts and prayers for victims of the fatal crash and their families. "Shocked by the latest news of the crash of an AFP plane with dozens of casualties and critically injured,” she said. 

British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce said he was “desperately sad for everyone affected.” He shared his thoughts with families of those who died and were injured in the crash.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr also said Turkey shared its sympathies with the Philippines and offered its condolences to families of those who were killed. 

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steve Robinson shared "heartfelt condolences" over the "tragic accident." 

"Our heartfelt condolences to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and families of personnel involved in the tragic accident involving Philippine Air Force flight #5125 in Jolo," Robinson said.  

The European Union also said it was “saddened for the loss of lives in the plane crash in Jolo.” It condoled with the AFP and families of those who died. “Wishing prompt recovery to the injured,” it added. 

French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz meanwhile shared condolences for the “brutal and unexpected accident.”

Boccoz told Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Twitter the crash was a “terrible shock,” and that she was relieved to hear many were still rescued. “We pray for them all and give all our sympathy to the families as well as to you and your team,” she said.

Military plane crash

Sunday's crash is the worst to hit a C-130 in the Philippine military's recent history. It was the fourth accident involving Philippine military aircraft this year.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Cirilito Sobejana told reporters the plane was about to land at the Jolo Airport in Sulu's capital but "missed the runway trying to regain power.” It crashed in the nearby town of Patikul. 

Western Mindanao Command as of 8:40 pm said the fatalities included 42 military personnel and three civilians. Most of the passengers were trainees from the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.

The C-130 Hercules plane had been one of two aircraft purchased from the US earlier this year. The DND said it was meant for "territorial defense security and stability and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.” – Rappler.com

[Jollygoodfellow]

I wonder if they have have proper training in new aircraft. Only last week 6 died in a brand new helicopter. 

[Old55]

LIST: Military aircraft accidents in past 10 years

JUL 4, 2021 9:38 PM PHT

JODESZ GAVILAN

The Sulu plane crash is the 4th accident involving military aircraft this year alone

A C-130 Hercules military plane carrying 96 people crashed in Patikul, Sulu, on Sunday, July 4, killing at least 42 military personnel and three civilians, according to latest reports as of 9:30 pm Sunday. 

The Sunday tragedy is the latest in a string of military aircraft accidents. It happened less than a month after six were killed in a helicopter crash in Tarlac on June 23. 

Rappler counted at least 15 accidents involving military aircraft in the past decade, or since April 2011, based on published reports. The number of fatalities in Sulu is the biggest crash casualty in recent Philippine military history. 

 

Six killed in helicopter crash
Capas, Tarlac – June 23, 2021

Six people were killed when an S-70i Black Hawk Utility helicopter crashed evening of June 23, 2021 in Tarlac. 

The crash site was a few miles from the Colonel Ernest Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac. 

The chopper of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) missed its estimated time of arrival at Clark Air Base, prompting authorities to conduct search and rescue operations.

The remains of the aircrew were retrieved almost a week after – on June 29. 

Senator Richard Gordon called for a Senate probe into the crash, adding that “it would be best to give the right support to our men in uniform.” 

 

Pilot killed in helicopter crash 
Getafe, Bohol – April 27, 2021

A pilot was killed while three were injured when an MD520MG helicopter they were on crashed in Getafe, Bohol, on April 27, 2021. 

They were conducting an engineering flight when the aircraft from PAF's 15th Strike Wing crashed due to mechanical failure. 

PAF grounded the fleet after the crash and assured the public that “all of its air assets are undergoing strict, regular, and redundant maintenance inspections before and after flight missions.”

 

Seven killed in helicopter crash
Impasugong, Bukidnon – January 16, 2021

All seven people on board were killed when a military aircraft crashed in Impasugong town, Bukidnon, on January 16, 2021. The chopper was on a supply run in the mountains near the town.

According to witnesses, the UH-1H Huey helicopter went "in nose dive position before hitting the ground." The fatalities included five military personnel and two from Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). 

Authorities told Rappler that the crash site was a "geographically isolated area and 6 hours away from the town proper. "

 

Four killed in helicopter crash
Lantawan, Basilan – September 16, 2020

Four soldiers were killed when a helicopter crashed in Lantawan town, Basilan, on September 16, 2020. 

The S76 Sikorsky helicopter, according to a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was an ambulance aircraft from PAF's 505th Search and Rescue Group. 

Initial assessment by authorities showed that the crash might have been caused by "bad weather." 

 

Four killed in helicopter crash
Cauayan, Isabela – July 23, 2020

Four military personnel were killed while one was injured when a PAF helicopter crashed while taking off on July 23, 2020 at the Cauayan Air Station in Isabela.

The crew members of the UH-1D Huey helicopter were conducting proficiency training for night flying when their helicopter crashed. 

The chopper was assigned to the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, according to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. 

 

Two pilots survived aircraft crash
Sangley Airport, Cavite – May 24, 2019

A North American Rockwell OV-10 aircraft from PAF's 15th Strike Wing crashed as it neared landing at Sangley Airport in Cavite on May 24, 2019. 

The aircraft was used for a scheduled proficiency flight. The two pilots survived after being safely ejected. 

PAF grounded its OV-10 fleet after the mishap as it conducted investigation. 

Congressman survived military chopper crash
Capas, Tarlac – November 22, 2018

A Sokol helicopter of the PAF crash-landed at Crow's Valley in Capas, Tarlac, on November 28, 2018, injuring crew members and passengers, including Cooperative NATCCO Network Party (COOP-NATCCO) Representative Anthony Bravo.

A soldier's arm had to be amputated due to injuries, according to ABS-CBN.

Bravo called for "genuine" modernization of the AFP following the crash.

 

Three killed in helicopter crash
Tanay, Rizal – May 4, 2017

Three soldiers were killed while one was injured when a PAF UH-1D helicopter crashed in Barangay Sampaloc in Tanay, Rizal, on May 4, 2017.

The chopper, which was being used for training, had trouble as it prepared to land, according to authorities.

Four people injured in helicopter crash
Palawan – November 8, 2016

Four people were injured when a PAF Sokol helicopter crash landed in Palawan on November 8, 2016 after experiencing a mechanical problem while on a reconnaissance flight.

Among those injured were then-Mimaropa police regional director Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor and 3 others. 

The aircraft was carrying 13 passengers. The pilots, according to reports, was attempting an emergency landing when the chopper crashed. 

 

Nine injured in helicopter crash
Malapatan, Sarangani – November 7, 2015

A PAF UH-1D helicopter crash landed in Sitio Lamsalo in Malapatan, Sarangani, on November 7, 2015 due to strong winds while it was landing. 

The aircraft was on a casualty evacuation mission for members of the 73rd Infantry Battalion when the incident occurred.

The nine people on board suffered minor injuries.

 

Four people survived helicopter crash
Cagayan de Oro – February 4, 2015

A Huey UH-1H helicopter from the PAF crashed while it was about to take off inside the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro on February 4, 2015. 

According to reports, the chopper was only three to five feet above ground when it crashed and rolled over. The four people on board – two pilots and two crewmembers – survived.

The aircraft was on its way back to the Lumbia Airport after transporting military personnel. Following the mishap, the PAF grounded its UH-1H fleet.

 

Two pilots killed in aircraft crash
Nasugbu, Batangas – January 31, 2015

Two pilots were killed when a PAF trainer aircraft crashed 500 meters off the coast of Barangay Bucana in Nasugbu, Batangas on morning of January 31, 2015.

The aircraft was part of a 3-aircraft formation training mission and took off from the Fernando Air base in Lipa City.

 

Two people injured in helicopter crash
Marawi City – August 7, 2014

A Sokol helicopter crashed inside Camp Ranao in Marawi City on August 7, 2014, injuring 2 of its passengers.

The passengers on board included then 4th Infantry Division commanding general Major General Ricardo Visaya, who was accompanying other government officials. 

The aircraft just took off when it crashed due to sudden loss of engine power, according to authorities. 

PAF attributed the mishap to "human error."

 

Two pilots killed in aircraft crash
Puerto Princesa, Palawan – June 23, 2013

An OV-10 aircraft from PAF's 570th Air Wing crashed off the coast of Palawan on June 23, 2013. 

It was initially reported missing after failing to return to base from a training flight. The aircraft's two pilots made last contact with authorities 7 nautical miles from the airport. 

Authorities located the nose of the aircraft and other floating debris off the coast of Puerto Princesa Bay. 

The body of one of the two fatalities were recovered in December 2013. 

 

Two pilots killed in aircraft crash 
Bagac, Bataan – April 28, 2011

An AS-211 jet aircraft crashed off the coast of Bagac, Bataan on April 28, 2011, killing two pilots on board. 

The aircraft was conducting routine proficiency flight when the incident occured, according to a report by ABS-CBN. – Rappler.com

[OnMyWay]

10 hours ago, Old55 said:

Six killed in helicopter crash
Capas, Tarlac – June 23, 2021

Six people were killed when an S-70i Black Hawk Utility helicopter crashed evening of June 23, 2021 in Tarlac. 

The crash site was a few miles from the Colonel Ernest Rabina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac. 

The chopper of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) missed its estimated time of arrival at Clark Air Base, prompting authorities to conduct search and rescue operations.

The remains of the aircrew were retrieved almost a week after – on June 29. 

Senator Richard Gordon called for a Senate probe into the crash, adding that “it would be best to give the right support to our men in uniform.” 

I think I read that the Black Hawk was one that they just got earlier in the year.  We see them flying around Clark quite often.

[OnMyWay]

12 hours ago, Old55 said:

The C-130 Hercules military plane was carrying 96 people when it crashed after it "missed the runway trying to regain power" before noon Sunday. 

So there is no chance it was shot down by insurgents?

[hk blues]

3 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

So there is no chance it was shot down by insurgents?

One of the initial reports suggested this may have been the case, but subsequent reports said this was not the case. 

So, I dunno!

[scott h]

5 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

So there is no chance it was shot down by insurgents?

Some one took a cell phone video of it going down, didnt look like any ground fire,,,,straight and level, looks to have overshot the runway...pilot error is my guess

[Snowy79]

Having flown in many and jumped out of a few it would take something obvious to shoot one out of the sky. More likely mechanical failure or pilot error. Most I've been in there was a mechanic climbing over everyone with a large adjustable spanner tightening linkages up and that was about 20yrs ago. I'd hate to think how old they are now. 

[Old55]

The pilot missed his spot or had mechanical failure during a maximum effort landing on a short runway. Video shows the aircraft overshooting the end of the runway and crashing into the forest.. The aircraft arrived Philippines 6 months ago 1987 C130 model H.

This YouTube channel has good information on what likely happened:

 

Edited July 5, 2021 by Old55

[Mike J]

11 hours ago, Snowy79 said:

Having flown in many and jumped out of a few it would take something obvious to shoot one out of the sky. More likely mechanical failure or pilot error. Most I've been in there was a mechanic climbing over everyone with a large adjustable spanner tightening linkages up and that was about 20yrs ago. I'd hate to think how old they are now. 

My platoon had a flight where the landing was so smooth that I didn't know we were on the runway until they throttled back the engines.   Made me pucker up just a bit until I realized we were already on the ground.