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Cessna 172K Forced Water Landing at San Fernando Community Airport (RP-C6923)

SAN FERNNDO COMMUNITY AIRPORT (RPUS), CANAOAY, SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION, PHILIPPINES, PH

On May 21, 2024, an aircraft (registration RP-C6923) operated by LEADING EDGE INTERNATIONAL AVIATION ACADEMY, was involved in an aviation accident near SAN FERNNDO COMMUNITY AIRPORT (RPUS), CANAOAY, SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION, PHILIPPINES, PH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The presence of water contaminants in the engine fuel system that resulted in engine failure. This summary draws on records from the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board of the Philippines (AAIIB).

Sourcesthe Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board of the Philippines (AAIIB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172K (RP-C6923) operated by Leading Edge International Aviation Academy made a forced water landing at San Fernando Community Airport on May 21, 2024, after engine failure due to water in the fuel system. Both occupants sustained minor injuries.

Overview and Occurrence Details On May 21, 2024, at approximately 0827 local time, a Cessna 172K aircraft with registration RP-C6923 made a forced landing in the waters near San Fernando Community Airport (RPUS) in La Union, Philippines. The aircraft was owned and operated by Leading Edge International Aviation Academy, Inc. (LEIAAI) and was conducting a flight training operation. The accident occurred during the take-off phase, specifically after the second touch-and-go maneuver on Runway 19. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed, with visibility reported at 8 miles. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and both occupants sustained minor injuries.

Probable cause

The presence of water contaminants in the engine fuel system that resulted in engine failure.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 May 2024 aircraft accident near SAN FERNNDO COMMUNITY AIRPORT (RPUS), CANAOAY, SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION, PHILIPPINES, PH?

A Cessna 172K (RP-C6923) operated by Leading Edge International Aviation Academy made a forced water landing at San Fernando Community Airport on May 21, 2024, after engine failure due to water in the fuel system. Both occupants sustained minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 May 2024 aircraft accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 May 2024 involved an aircraft, registration RP-C6923, operated by LEADING EDGE INTERNATIONAL AVIATION ACADEMY,, at SAN FERNNDO COMMUNITY AIRPORT (RPUS), CANAOAY, SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION, PHILIPPINES, PH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The presence of water contaminants in the engine fuel system that resulted in engine failure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board of the Philippines (AAIIB). Original record: https://www.caap.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RP-C6923-Accident.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).