Incident Overview
On February 5, 2018, at approximately 2352 local time, a Sikorsky UH-60M helicopter, registration NA-706, operated by the National Airborne Service Corps of the Ministry of Interior, Taiwan (R.O.C.), went missing shortly after departing Lanyu Airport (RCLY) on Orchid Island, Taitung, Taiwan. The aircraft is presumed to have crashed into open ocean waters. All six occupants—three crew members and three passengers—remain missing, and the helicopter is presumed destroyed.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Taiwan. The Aviation Safety Council (ASC) of Taiwan is the lead investigative body. No further details regarding the cause of the disappearance or the condition of the occupants have been released by the authorities. This report is based solely on information provided by the Government of Taiwan.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft was a Sikorsky UH-60M, a military variant of the Black Hawk helicopter, operated by the National Airborne Service Corps, a unit under Taiwan's Ministry of Interior. The helicopter was performing a transport mission at the time of the incident.