40 fatalities

Left Engine Failure Leads to Crash at Basa Air Base (293246)

Basa AFB (Floridablanca), PhilippinesTakeoff (climb)

On April 15, 1971, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 293246) operated by Philippine Air Force - Hukbong Himpapawid NG Pilipinas was involved in an aviation accident near Basa AFB (Floridablanca), Philippines during takeoff. 40 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine during initial climb for unknown reason. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from Basa AFB, a climbing aircraft suffered a left engine failure at 200 feet, banked left, stalled, and crashed 800 meters past the runway. All 40 occupants were killed.

Accident Details

Shortly after takeoff from Basa Air Force Base (AFB), located north of Floridablanca, the aircraft began its initial climb. While climbing to a height of 200 feet, the left engine failed. The aircraft subsequently banked left, stalled, and crashed approximately 800 meters past the end of the runway.

Damage and Casualties

The aircraft was totally destroyed in the impact. All 40 occupants on board were killed, including 10 officers and 26 family members.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the left engine during the initial climb for an unknown reason.