No fatalities

Engine Problems Lead to Emergency Landing and Crash; All Nine Occupants Escape Uninjured (RP-C473)

Santa Rosa, PhilippinesLanding (descent or approach)

On August 30, 1999, a Douglas C-117 Skytrain (registration RP-C473) operated by Mabuhay Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Rosa, Philippines during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine problems for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a delivery flight from Lipa City to Manila experienced engine problems on approach, struck power cables during an emergency landing, and crashed in a rice paddy. All nine onboard were uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

An aircraft departed Lipa City Airport bound for Manila, with the intention of being delivered to Crown Cargo Express for future missions. During the approach to Ninoy Aquino Airport, the crew reported engine problems to air traffic control. The captain initiated an emergency landing, during which the aircraft struck power cables and subsequently crashed in a rice paddy field in Santa Rosa, approximately 25 kilometers south of the airport.

Occupant Status and Damage

All nine occupants aboard the aircraft escaped without injury. However, the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the official investigation, was engine problems for unknown reasons.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 1999 Douglas C-117 Skytrain accident near Santa Rosa, Philippines?

An aircraft on a delivery flight from Lipa City to Manila experienced engine problems on approach, struck power cables during an emergency landing, and crashed in a rice paddy. All nine onboard were uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 1999 Douglas C-117 Skytrain accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 1999 involved a Douglas C-117 Skytrain, registration RP-C473, operated by Mabuhay Airways, at Santa Rosa, Philippines.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine problems for unknown reasons.