What happened
On December 10, 20 and 11, a Beechcraft Queen Air, registration RP-C824, departed from Runway 13 at Manila Domestic Airport at approximately 0610 UTC. The flight was headed southbound toward San Jose, Mindoro, carrying a pilot and two passengers.
Following takeoff, air traffic control directed the pilot to execute a right turn and report when five miles out. After completing the turn, the pilot requested permission to land. Controllers provided instructions to cross behind other traffic on short final for Runway 06 and asked the pilot to report any difficulties. No further communication was received from the aircraft.
Witnesses on the ground reported hearing three loud sputtering or bursting noises while the aircraft was flying level at an altitude of roughly 200 feet AGL. The aircraft then entered a left turn that transitioned into a steep bank and a roll-over dive. The aircraft struck the ground at coordinates 14.48848 N 121.025811 E, an area near a creek and residential shanties. The impact triggered an explosion and a subsequent fire that spread to nearby structures and an elementary school.
Findings
The crash resulted in 3 fatalities among the aircraft occupants, all of whom died due to the impact and post-crash fire. Additionally, 10 injuries were reported among residents on the ground. The fire caused significant property damage, destroying approximately 20 houses and severely damaging a nearby school building. The sequence of events suggests that engine failure or mechanical malfunction preceded the loss of control.