11 fatalities

1964-05-20: De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (PI-C51) — Philippine Airlines - PAL — Sibuco, Philippines

Sibuco, PhilippinesFlight

On May 20, 1964, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration PI-C51) operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL was involved in an aviation accident near Sibuco, Philippines in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot continued to fly VFR into unfavourable weather over the jagged shoreline with practically zero visibility due to heavy rain. At the time of the accident, the visibility was below minima. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781243125Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine airplane struck a hill in heavy rain while flying VFR. The pilot had been informed of poor weather and visibility below minima. All 11 occupants were killed.

Background

The pilot of a single-engine airplane was briefed on adverse weather conditions along the planned route and at the destination prior to departure from Siocon Airport. Despite visibility being below the minimum for VFR flight, the pilot elected to depart.

Accident Sequence

While flying under visual flight rules, the aircraft encountered heavy rain. The airplane struck a hill, resulting in its destruction. The impact occurred in conditions of practically zero visibility due to the heavy rain, with the terrain described as over a jagged shoreline.

Post-Crash Findings

Search teams located the wreckage several hours after the accident. All 11 occupants of the aircraft were killed. The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's decision to continue VFR flight into unfavorable weather over a jagged shoreline under conditions of near-zero visibility caused by heavy rain, with visibility below minima at the time of the accident.