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3 fatalities

Aircraft crash near Tuguegarao Airport (RP-C868)

Tuguegarao, PhilippinesLanding (descent or approach)

On December 12, 2003, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration RP-C868) operated by Chemtrad Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Tuguegarao, Philippines during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew lost visual contact with the runway due to cloud cover, leading to a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area near Tuguegarao Airport after losing visual contact with the runway during its approach.

What happened

During the approach phase to Tuguegarao Airport, a twin engine aircraft encountered cloud cover, which resulted in the crew losing sight of the runway. While flying through the clouds, the aircraft collided with the top of a hill. The impact occurred in a heavily wooded region situated approximately 3 km before the runway threshold.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered clouds during its final approach.
  • The crew was unable to maintain visual reference to the landing strip.
  • The collision with terrain led to the destruction of the aircraft.
  • There were three fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The crew lost visual contact with the runway due to cloud cover, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Dec 2003 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Tuguegarao, Philippines?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area near Tuguegarao Airport after losing visual contact with the runway during its approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Dec 2003 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Dec 2003 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration RP-C868, operated by Chemtrad Aviation, at Tuguegarao, Philippines.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew lost visual contact with the runway due to cloud cover, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.

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