28 fatalities

1960-12-22: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (PI-C126) — Philippine Airlines - PAL — Cebu City, Philippines

Cebu City, PhilippinesTakeoff (climb)

On December 22, 1960, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PI-C126) operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL was involved in an aviation accident near Cebu City, Philippines during takeoff. 28 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the malfunctioning of the left engine shortly after take-off but after V2 (the takeoff safety speed). 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 1781246118Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff from runway 03, the left engine failed. The crew requested an emergency return but the aircraft stalled, banked left, and crashed about 4 km from the airfield. Both pilots and 26 passengers were killed; nine others were injured.

Incident Overview

Just after liftoff from runway 03, while climbing initially, the captain informed air traffic control about a failure in the left engine. Permission was granted for an emergency landing, but during the return attempt, the airplane stalled, banked sharply to the left, and crashed in a large explosion approximately 4 kilometers from the airfield.

Casualties and Injuries

The accident resulted in the deaths of both pilots and 26 passengers. Nine other occupants sustained injuries. The explosion upon impact was extensive.

Operational Context

The flight had just departed from runway 03. The left engine malfunction occurred after the aircraft had reached V2, the takeoff safety speed. The emergency return was authorized, but the subsequent loss of control led to the stall and crash.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was the malfunctioning of the left engine shortly after takeoff, but after V2. Contributing factors included the darkness of the night, which limited the pilot's visibility during the emergency, and the inappropriate emergency procedures carried out by the pilot.