What happened
A scheduled domestic service operating from Cotabato to Davao, with an intended stopover in Zamboanga, disappeared while en route. The aircraft departed Cotabato at 09:40 hours carrying a total of 27 occupants, consisting of three crew members and twenty-four passengers. At 10:02 hours, the flight communicated with the company radio station in Cotabato, reporting that it was halfway to its destination and descending at Flight level 60.
Following this update, the flight contacted the Davao radio station to request local weather information. After receiving the report, the crew notified the station that their arrival would be delayed due to inclement weather. No mechanical issues or difficulties were reported by the crew during these final communications. When the aircraft failed to arrive at its estimated time of 10:25 hours, a search operation was initiated 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival.
The wreckage was later located on Mt. Boca, situated roughly 50 miles southeast of Davao Airport. The impact occurred at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet at around 11:30 hours. There were 27 fatalities following the crash.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the primary reason for the crash was a navigational error occurring during the en-route and descent phases of the flight. Additional contributing elements included poor visibility and the presence of crosswinds during the final stages of the flight.