Incident Overview
On a charter flight from Taytay-Sandoval-Cesar Lim Rodriguez Airport to Manila, a twin-engine aircraft carrying one passenger and two pilots encountered engine trouble while approaching Manila. The left engine failed, prompting the crew to inform air traffic control. The aircraft continued its descent when, shortly thereafter, the right engine also lost power.
Ditching and Rescue
Unable to maintain the assigned altitude, the crew initiated a ditching maneuver in Manila Bay, approximately 3 kilometers offshore. The aircraft remained afloat for a few minutes, allowing all three occupants to evacuate the cabin. Soon after, the aircraft sank. All three individuals were rescued by responding assets. The wreckage was not recovered.
Investigation and Probable Cause
According to official findings, white smoke was observed emanating from the left engine during the descent, leading the crew to shut it down and feather its propeller. Due to the lack of physical evidence—the wreckage was not recovered—the exact cause of the engine failures could not be determined.