History of Flight
On March 30, 2025, at approximately 0801H, a Cessna 152 (C152) with registration RP-C8595 operated by Pilipinas Space and Aviation Academy Inc. was involved in an accident at Barangay Libsong East, Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines. The aircraft was conducting touch-and-go landings within the traffic pattern at Lingayen Airport as part of pre-solo training for a student pilot (SP) accompanied by a flight instructor (FI). According to witness accounts and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, after liftoff on the upwind leg, the aircraft was observed banking left and nosediving toward the ground. Rescue personnel from the airport and the company arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. The flight crew, still restrained by seat belts, were found unconscious. They were retrieved and brought to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival. The aircraft came to rest at a heading of 244 degrees, coordinates 16.038843 N, 120.248833 E, approximately 312 meters from the edge of Runway 08.
Injuries to Persons
The two pilots on board—the flight instructor and student pilot—were fatally injured.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Other Damages
Water in the area was contaminated by oil and fuel spilled from the aircraft.
Personnel Information
The flight instructor, a male Filipino born June 18, 1993, held a valid Commercial Pilot License and Flight Instructor rating with type ratings for C152, C172, and BE350. He had a total flying time of 348+30 hours, of which 241+55 hours were on the C152. His Class 1 medical certificate was valid until April 12, 2026.
The student pilot, a male Filipino born December 18, 1999, held a Student Pilot License with a single-engine land rating for the C152. He had a total flying time of 16+40 hours, all on the C152. His Class 1 medical certificate was valid until December 19, 2027.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Textron Aviation C152, serial number 15282776, manufactured in 1977. It was powered by a Lycoming O-540-AE1A5 reciprocating engine with a McCauley 1A103 ITCM 6958 propeller. The airframe had accumulated 10,193+01 hours since new. The Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Registration were valid at the time of the accident.
Meteorological Information
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. Weather was not considered a contributing factor.
Communications
The aircraft was equipped with a standard radio transceiver. A pilot in the traffic pattern reported hearing the flight instructor transmit "mayday" three times before the accident.
Aerodrome Information
Lingayen Community Airport (RPUG) has a single asphalt runway 08/26, 800 meters long, and operates only during daylight under visual meteorological conditions. The airport frequency is 121.9 MHz.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was located about 312 meters from the edge of Runway 08, with a final heading of 244 degrees. Inspection of the crash site revealed the aircraft had impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude.