Incident
Shortly after takeoff from Manila International Airport, while in initial climb, the crew declared an emergency and informed air traffic control that an engine had caught fire and exploded. The crew was cleared to return to the airport, but the captain determined that the aircraft could not make it back. Instead, he decided to attempt a belly landing in an open field located a few kilometers from the airport.
The aircraft crash-landed and slid for a dozen meters before coming to rest. All 43 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft. Only two passengers were slightly injured. The aircraft was written off.
Investigation
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the incident. It was found that a tire burst during the takeoff run and ignited shortly prior to rotation. After the pilots retracted the landing gear, the molten tire fired various equipment located in the wheel well and later reached the engine, which caught fire.