Helicopter was flying from Santiago (Veraguas Province) to Panama Pacifico airport in the capital city, and was impacted by a flock of birds causing a loss of thrust in its tail rotor. Am Emergency landing was made at Punta Chame, which resulted in the helicopter being on its port side on the edge of the beach.
Pilot named as Major Oriel Reyes, was returning after completing a humanitarian SAR mission with the Joint Task Force, including the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) and other SAR Aircraft Units. Helicopter registration was given in Panamanian Navy press release.
Passengers were named as Commissioner Belisario Bonini and Sergeant Primero Augusto Sánchez
