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9 fatalities

Aircraft Ditched in Sea Off Pilas Island

Pilas Island, PhilippinesFlight

On January 10, 1987, a Britten-Norman Islander operated by Philippine Air Force - Hukbong Himpapawid NG Pilipinas was involved in an aviation accident near Pilas Island, Philippines in flight. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure for unknown reasons. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft ditched in the sea off Pilas Island after engine problems during a flight from Cagayan de Sulu to Zamboanga. Three occupants were rescued, nine were killed, and the wreckage was not recovered.

Incident Overview During a flight from Cagayan de Sulu to Zamboanga, the crew encountered engine problems and decided to ditch the aircraft. The aircraft crashed in the sea off Pilas Island. Three occupants were rescued, while nine others were killed. The wreckage was not recovered. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was engine failure for unknown reasons. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or specific date were provided in the source material. The investigation did not identify a specific cause for the engine failure.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jan 1987 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Pilas Island, Philippines?

An aircraft ditched in the sea off Pilas Island after engine problems during a flight from Cagayan de Sulu to Zamboanga. Three occupants were rescued, nine were killed, and the wreckage was not recovered.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jan 1987 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jan 1987 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, operated by Philippine Air Force - Hukbong Himpapawid NG Pilipinas, at Pilas Island, Philippines.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure for unknown reasons.

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