Introduction
An aircraft operating a non-scheduled flight from Kalibo to Manila experienced an engine failure and subsequent ditching. The accident investigation determined the probable cause and contributing factors.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft took off from runway 05 at 1740 hours Philippine local time. According to the co-pilot's testimony, the take-off was normal, and all engine instruments indicated within normal operating range throughout the take-off and initial climb.
Approximately 20 minutes after take-off, while climbing to 2,200 feet, severe vibration and misses were noted, along with decreasing oil pressure and increasing oil temperature of the left-hand engine. The crew shut down the left engine and feathered its propeller. Shortly thereafter, the pilot-in-command reversed course and descended, intending to land at either Kalibo or Roxas Airports. Neither airport was rated for night operations.
The flight proceeded toward Kalibo. Precipitation was encountered en route, and visibility was so poor that the crew failed to make visual contact with Kalibo Airport. At 1823 hours, a climb to 2,000 feet was attempted to clear terrain on the way to Bacolod Airport, the nearest airport available for night operations. However, with METO power on the remaining engine, the aircraft not only failed to climb but also failed to maintain altitude, with airspeed decreasing to 80 mph. Several attempts to climb were made but were discontinued due to pre-stall warnings.
At 1835 hours, with 500 feet altitude, the pilot-in-command decided to ditch and warned the passengers accordingly. At 1839 hours, the ditching was attempted, but the airplane collided with coconut trees located approximately 500 feet from the Barrio Camansi Norte shoreline and crashed on the muddy bed of an abandoned fishpond on a heading of 300°, approximately 160 feet from the point of initial collision. The accident occurred around 1840 hours.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was failure to maintain safe single-engine speed and altitude following the failure of the left engine. The precipitation and poor visibility prevailing at the time over Kalibo and its vicinity, as well as the failure of maintenance personnel to take action to correct discrepancies logged in the aircraft logbook, individually or collectively contributed to the cause of the accident.