What happened
On March 30, 2020, an IAI Westwind II 1124A, registration RP-C5880, was performing a medical evacuation flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, Philippines, to Haneda, Japan. During the takeoff roll on runway 06, sparks were observed on the runway surface. The aircraft continued its acceleration toward taxiway R2, but the sequence of events led to a significant excursion.
As the aircraft progressed, debris including metal fragments and rubber chunks were left on the runway. Evidence of contact with the runway surface was noted, specifically scrape marks originating from the right-hand wheel hub. Further down the runway, past the intersection with taxiway H1, additional tire marks and scrapes from the left-hand tire and wheel hub were identified. A large section of the left-hand tire was later found in the grass near taxiway H1.
After leaving the paved runway safety area, the aircraft struck two runway edge lights and collided with a concrete electric junction box. The aircraft finally came to a rest at the runway secondary fence, approximately 172 meters beyond the end of runway 06. The wreckage settled in an upright position at coordinates 14°30'53.50"N; 121°1'48.48"E. The aircraft was subsequently engulfed in fire. The incident resulted in eight fatalities among the occupants.
Findings
Investigation of the site revealed significant physical evidence of mechanical or structural contact with the runway surface. The presence of sparks during the takeoff roll and the subsequent destruction of the aircraft suggest a high-energy event involving the landing gear and the runway surface. The aircraft was operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) at the time of the accident.