What happened
On September 11, 2025, at approximately 11:50 local time, a Tecnam P2002-JF aircraft, registration RP-C1886, was conducting a scheduled pre-solo training flight from WCC Binalonan Airfield in the Philippines. The flight crew, consisting of a flight instructor and a student pilot, had successfully completed the takeoff roll on Runway 17. However, as the aircraft reached an altitude of roughly 200 feet AGL during the initial climb, the engine experienced severe vibrations and an abrupt drop in RPM from 2,100 to 1,600.
Recognizing the loss of power, the flight instructor took control of the aircraft and notified the tower of the engine problem. While an attempt was made to return to the airfield via Runway 35, the aircraft continued to lose airspeed and altitude. The instructor subsequently executed a forced landing in an open rice field located about 1.3 NM south of the airfield. The aircraft struck a concrete irrigation canal wall during the landing roll, causing substantial damage to the fuselage, landing gear, and propeller. Both occupants escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The AAIIB investigation focused on the engine's performance degradation and the aircraft's maintenance history. Investigators examined the engine, fuel system, and spark plugs, finding that compression levels, ignition function, and fuel pump performance were all within normal operating limits. No mechanical defects or fuel contamination were identified during post-accident testing.
Investigators noted that the aircraft had experienced similar engine vibrations a month prior, though no permanent mechanical anomaly was found. The investigation also reviewed the use of Shell V-Power Premium Unleaded Petrol (MOGAS), noting that the high ambient temperatures and the specific operational sequence—involving an engine shutdown followed by a 50-minute ground interval—could influence fuel behavior.
Findings
- The flight crew held valid licenses and medical certificates.
- The aircraft was airworthy and maintained according to regulatory requirements.
- Fuel vapor formation (vapor lock) was identified as the most consistent explanation for the power loss, although it could not be conclusively proven through physical evidence.
- The use of ethanol-blended MOGAS in high-temperature environments may have increased the risk of vapor formation following a ground interval.
- It was noted that some aircraft discrepancies were occasionally reported verbally rather than being formally documented in the technical log.