Factual Information
On July 11, 2025, at approximately 0858 hours local time, a Cessna 172M aircraft, registration RP-C2211, operated by Topflite Academy of Aviation Inc., was involved in an accident near Iba Community Airport in Zambales, Philippines. The aircraft had departed Subic Bay International Airport at 0757 hours for a commercial pilot license cross-country training flight bound for Lingayen. Due to inclement weather en route, the flight diverted to Iba Community Airport, landing at approximately 0838 hours.
History of Flight
After landing, a change of pilot was initiated, with the flight instructor remaining in the right seat. The plan was to perform one touch-and-go maneuver before returning to Subic Bay. During the touch-and-go, the aircraft touched down beyond the third portion of the runway and took off again approximately 150 meters before the end of the runway. The aircraft failed to attain adequate takeoff speed, and the flight instructor took control as the aircraft approached stall speed. Despite intervention, the aircraft collided with a tree and subsequently crashed in a vacant lot approximately 771 meters from the airport, at a heading of 317.6 degrees. The final position was at coordinates 15°19'09.4"N 119°58'28.5"E.
Injuries and Damage
All four occupants—two pilots and two observers—sustained minor injuries and were taken to President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital for treatment. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its structures and components. There was no post-crash fire. The response involved personnel from the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, the Iba Bureau of Fire Protection, and local residents.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the aircraft colliding with a tree during takeoff. Visual Meteorological Conditions prevailed at the time of the occurrence. A training flight plan had been filed, and the flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules.