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15 fatalities

Fatal Terrain Impact at Iligan-Maria Cristina Airport (EI-BTJ)

Iligan, PhilippinesLanding (descent or approach)

On December 13, 1987, a Short 360 (registration EI-BTJ) operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL was involved in an aviation accident near Iligan, Philippines during landing or approach. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck the slope of Mt. Gurain during a night approach to Iligan-Maria Cristina Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 15 occupants. The official investigation determined the probable cause was controlled flight into terrain.

Incident Overview and Location Details The accident occurred during a night approach to Iligan-Maria Cristina Airport. The crew initiated the approach under good weather conditions, although visibility was limited by the darkness. During the approach phase, the aircraft impacted the slope of Mt. Gurain, which is situated approximately 16 kilometers south of the runway 02 threshold. ## Casualties and Official Findings All 15 individuals on board the aircraft were killed in the accident. The official investigation concluded that the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain. No specific aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date was provided in the source material.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Dec 1987 Short 360 accident near Iligan, Philippines?

An aircraft struck the slope of Mt. Gurain during a night approach to Iligan-Maria Cristina Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 15 occupants. The official investigation determined the probable cause was controlled flight into terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Dec 1987 Short 360 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Dec 1987 involved a Short 360, registration EI-BTJ, operated by Philippine Airlines - PAL, at Iligan, Philippines.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain

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