A Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter made an emergency landing at the open field inside Tukuran SPED Elementary School in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur yesterday, September 27, 2024. The helicopter, carrying Tactical Operations Group 9 Commander Col. Glenn Eugenio and his party, was en route to Cotabato via Pulacan town when it encountered unexpected severe weather conditions including heavy rain and rapidly decreasing visibility. The pilot was forced to land at the nearest safe location which was the school grounds. Fortunately, the landing was wexecuted safely, with no injuries reported.
In a statement, MGen. Gabriel C Viray III, Commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division of the Philippine Army, explained that the emergency landing was necessary to avoid potential accidents due to zero visibility flying conditions. After a brief 20-minute stop, the helicopter safely resumed its journey to Cotabato. The map below shows the exact location where the helicopter made its landing.
Photo below shows school administrator Dr. Josephine Tomboc alongside Col. Glenn Eugenio. Col. Eugenio extended his apologies to the students, faculty and staff who were alarmed by the strong winds and noise caused during the emergency landing.
Read the full statement below.
Watch the viral videos below.
Part 1 – Emergency Landing
Part 2 – Departure
