Incident Overview
A four-engine aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Manila-Ninoy Aquino Airport to Caticlan departed at 1536LT with 45 passengers and 4 crew members. During the approach to Caticlan, the crew encountered technical problems with the hydraulic system and could not lower the right main gear, which remained stuck in its wheel well.
Hydraulic Failure
The hydraulic pump on engine number 3 and number 4 failed, causing a loss of hydraulic pressure on the secondary hydraulic system that dropped almost to zero. This failure prevented the normal extension of the right main landing gear.
Return and Landing
After identifying the issue, the captain decided to return to Manila and followed a holding pattern to burn fuel. Upon touchdown on runway 24, the aircraft went out of control, veered off the runway to the right, and came to rest in a grassy area.
Evacuation and Damage
All 49 occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was the failure of the hydraulic pump on engine number 3 and number 4, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure on the secondary hydraulic system that dropped almost to zero.