45 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident near Manila International Airport (PI-C1131)

Manila, PhilippinesLanding (descent or approach)

On September 12, 1969, a BAc 111 (registration PI-C1131) operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL was involved in an aviation accident near Manila, Philippines during landing or approach. 45 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to monitor and maintain the necessary altitude during the final approach to the runway. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed during its final approach to Manila International Airport, resulting in 45 fatalities and two survivors.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight toward the threshold of runway 24 at Manila International Airport, an aircraft impacted the ground. The impact occurred approximately 22 km away from the intended runway. Following the collision, the aircraft caught fire.

Of the total occupants on board, only two individuals were successfully rescued: one passenger and a member of the cabin crew. The accident resulted in 45 fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the crash indicate that the flight crew did not recognize that the aircraft had descended to an insufficient altitude. This failure to maintain proper altitude during the approach led to the ground impact.

Probable cause

The crew failed to monitor and maintain the necessary altitude during the final approach to the runway.