Mindanaotoday.com | PAF reports crash of Israel-built Hermes 900 drone
By: Mindanao Today
Cagayan de Oro – An Israeli-made Hermes 900 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed during a functional check flight near Baungon, Bukidnon, at least two hours after taking off from Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City Saturday, May 28, 2022.
In a statement released, the PAF stated that the drone took off at at Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City at around 09:30 in the morning of May 28, 2022 to perform Functional Check Flight.
Accordingly, the UAV proceeded to 5 nautical miles (NM) east of Lumbia and ascended to 10.000 ft. After finding the FCF procedure to be satisfactory, the pilots declared the termination of test and started to descend 5000 ft 1.5 miles east of Lumbia Airport.
However, communication with the UAV was suddenly lost at around 11:46 am and all emergency procedures were performed and Field Service Representatives were called for troubleshooting.
It was further revealed that the drone crashed in a vegetated area with no reported civilian casualties or damage to properties.
Local radio reports also state that the drone crashed near Ultrawinds Mountain Resort, a popular mountain resort in Baungon town near the boundary with Cagayan de Oro.
On May 28, 2022, the Hermes 900 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle took off at around 09:30 in the morning to perform Functional Check Flight at Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City.
Upon take off, the UAV proceeded to 5NM east of Lumbia and ascended to 10.000 ft. After finding the FCF procedure to be satisfactory, the pilots declared the termination of test and started to descend 5000ft 1.5 miles east of Lumbia Airport.
At around 11:46 a.m, communications with the UAV was cut. All emergency procedures were performed and Field Service Representatives were called for troubleshooting.
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.
The Command will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of such incident.