Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City – A UH-1H helicopter gunship of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF’s) helicopter wing carrying at least 10 soldiers for insertion operations figured in an accident when it encountered strong winds in the vicinity of Puana-Piagapo in Lanao del Sur, a report reaching the PAF Composite Air Support Force here stated.

The report stated that all soldiers on board the UH-1H helicopter gunship escaped unhurt except one airman who was slightly injured in the mishap.

Capt. Roy Philip Agohob and 2nd Lt. Edbert Lina who were both reported unhurt piloted the UH-1H helicopter gunship.

Initial reports stated that the aircraft along with another helicopter gunship, was conducting insertion and re-supply operations in the Puana-Piagapo area when the accident happened at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The field report also stated that the helicopter while on its landing maneuver spun several times and went off balance due to a sudden surge of strong winds before hitting the ground. The 10 soldiers on board escaped unhurt when the aircraft finally touched down to the ground.

The UH-1H helicopter only suffered minimal damage, the field report also stated.

It was learned that the military helicopter came from Campo Ranao in Marawi City and was about to land in Puana-Piagapo when strong winds forced the helicopter to spin.

While the other UH-1H military helicopter was able to land safely in Puana-Piagapo, the field report also added.

Meanwhile, combat maneuvering troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were immediately deployed in Puana-Piagapo to secure the two helicopters while Air Force technicians were dispatched to conduct repairs on the slightly damaged gunship.

“The security operation in the area is going on, ” regional Army spokesman Maj. Mitchele B. Anayron Jr. said.