PAF probes crash-landing of Hermes 900 in Bukidnon
THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) is investigating the crash-landing of an Israel-made Unamanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in Bukidnon Saturday.
The PAF said the investigation aims to determine what caused the Israel-made Hermes 900 UAV to crash-land.
An initial report relayed to the PAF Headquarters showed the UAV took off at around 9:30 a.m. at the Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City for a functional check flight.
After the takeoff, the UAV was seen ascending 10,000 feet and after finding the flight procedure to be satisfactory, the pilots declared the termination of test and started to descend 5,000 feet 1.5 miles east of Lumbia Airport.
“At around 11:46 a.m, communication with the UAV was cut. All emergency procedures were performed and Field Service Representatives were called for troubleshooting,” the statement read.
“The Hermes 900 crash landed in a vegetated area where it was confirmed to have lost contact. No civilian casualties and damage to properties were reported,” it added.
The report stated that UAV crashed near a mountain resort in Baungon, Bukidnon.
The Hermes 900 was among the recent procurements of the PAF for reconnaissance and surveillance operations.
