Flyby Chopper Mishap: More than just an Embarrassing Booboo!

Screengrab from ABS-CBN News video.

MEDIA CAPTURED the costly mishap involving a brand-new Philippine National Police  (PNP) helicopter on Wednesday, August 8. Flying low, the chopper whipped up enough wind to knock over an LED screen that had been set up to project visuals for the program, blowing away some tents during the 117^th service anniversary of the PNP in Camp Crame. TV5’s Aksyon reported that President Rodrigo Duterte was in attendance, but had already finished his speech when the incident happened.

Photographs captured the unfortunate sideshow with officials onstage ogling the accident, apparently shocked and dumbstruck, watching the chopper as the screen fell. The chopper was on a flyby as part of the program.

A police officer and two non-uniformed employees reportedly sustained minor injuries. The damage, however, was not so minor as repairs to the LED screen could cost as much as PHP3 million.

In an Inquirer report, Senior Supt. BenignoDurana Jr., PNP Spokesperson, acknowledged that the incident was embarrassing, but added that the pilot was “well-trained.” Purchased last March for PHP435.8 million, the Bell 429 chopper is one of several recently acquired by the PNP.

Focusing only on the boo-boo, the media did not seem curious about the level of training PNP personnel get before they get to fly their new aircraft, such as their capacity to cope with the wind factor while flying at a lower height with other structures in the way, and various mishaps that can occur while flying. Neither was there any mention about the potential danger the incident posed on those nearby, which could very well have included the President. The news reports did not mention at all how far the highest official of the land was from the falling screen.