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36 fatalities

Aircraft Explosion and Crash Near Cabanatuan (PI-C1022)

Cabanatuan, PhilippinesFlight

On April 21, 1970, an Avro 748 (registration PI-C1022) operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL was involved in an aviation accident near Cabanatuan, Philippines in flight. 36 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An explosion occurred in the rear lavatory during flight; the exact cause of the explosion could not be established. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft exploded at 10,500 feet, lost control, and crashed in a field near Cabanatuan, killing all 36 occupants. The official investigation determined an explosion occurred in the rear lavatory but could not establish the exact cause.

Incident Overview During cruise at an altitude of 10,500 feet, the aircraft experienced an explosion. Following the event, the aircraft lost control, entered a dive, and crashed in a field near Cabanatuan. All 36 occupants on board were killed. ## Official Findings The investigation determined that the explosion occurred in the rear lavatory during flight. The exact cause of the explosion could not be established. No aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific date was provided in the source material, and therefore no such details are included in this account. The available official findings are limited to the location of the explosion and the inability to determine its precise origin.

Probable cause

An explosion occurred in the rear lavatory during flight; the exact cause of the explosion could not be established.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Apr 1970 Avro 748 accident near Cabanatuan, Philippines?

An aircraft exploded at 10,500 feet, lost control, and crashed in a field near Cabanatuan, killing all 36 occupants. The official investigation determined an explosion occurred in the rear lavatory but could not establish the exact cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Apr 1970 Avro 748 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 36 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Apr 1970 involved an Avro 748, registration PI-C1022, operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL, at Cabanatuan, Philippines.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An explosion occurred in the rear lavatory during flight; the exact cause of the explosion could not be established.

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