30 fatalities

1993-12-15: Lockheed C-130 Hercules (4761) — Philippine Air Force - Hukbong Himpapawid NG Pilipinas — Naga City, Philippines

Naga City, PhilippinesLanding (descent or approach)

On December 15, 1993, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules (registration 4761) operated by Philippine Air Force - Hukbong Himpapawid NG Pilipinas was involved in an aviation accident near Naga City, Philippines during landing or approach. 30 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew continued an approach below minimum safe altitude during periods of low visibility and heavy rain. 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 1781209350Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Naga City Airport while operating a relief flight, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a mission to deliver aid following a typhoon, a four-engine aircraft was performing its descent toward Naga City Airport. The flight was operating under challenging meteorological conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility.

As the aircraft progressed through its approach, it collided with the slope of Mt Manase, situated approximately 30 km from the destination airport. The force of the impact caused the airframe to disintegrate. There were 30 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew performed a controlled flight into terrain. This occurred because the flight continued its approach despite being below the established minimum safe altitude while operating in weather conditions that were below required visibility minima.

Probable cause

The crew continued an approach below minimum safe altitude during periods of low visibility and heavy rain.