On February 1, 1997, a Cessna 500 Citation (registration RP-C1500) operated by Airspan Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Balatukan, Philippines in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Aircraft departed Cagayan de Oro Airport and collided with the slope of Mt Balatukan while climbing to 8,000 feet. Both pilots were killed in the controlled flight into terrain accident.
What happened
Shortly after departing from Cagayan de Oro Airport, the aircraft encountered a fatal incident during its initial climb phase. While ascending toward an altitude of 8,000 feet, the plane struck the slope of Mt Balatukan. The mountain is situated approximately 57 kilometers to the northeast of the departure airport. The collision resulted in the immediate death of both pilots aboard the aircraft.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain. The specific reasons for this deviation from the intended flight path remain unknown, but the outcome was fatal for all occupants.
Probable cause
Controlled flight into terrain for unknown reasons
What happened in the 1 Feb 1997 Cessna 500 Citation accident near Mt Balatukan, Philippines?
Aircraft departed Cagayan de Oro Airport and collided with the slope of Mt Balatukan while climbing to 8,000 feet. Both pilots were killed in the controlled flight into terrain accident.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Feb 1997 Cessna 500 Citation accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Feb 1997 involved a Cessna 500 Citation, registration RP-C1500, operated by Airspan Corporation, at Mt Balatukan, Philippines.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain for unknown reasons
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