MANILA, Philippines - A private plane burst into flames after it crashed in a residential area in Las Piñas City yesterday afternoon, leaving four people dead.
An initial report said the DC-3 aircraft with tail number RPC-550 was bound for Palawan on a test flight but reportedly experienced engine trouble at around 12:20 p.m.
The plane, owned by Victoria Aviation, hit the cement wall of a house in Villa Fidela Subdivision, Barangay Elias Aldana, then crashed into an abandoned warehouse in the area.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) director Ruben Ciron identified the four fatalities as Capt. Benjamin Rivera, pilot; first officer Jaguar Juane; and crew members Richard Genaya and Benjamin Baculpo.
Barangay captain Rudy Garcia said he just saw four burned bodies when he rushed to the site upon learning of the incident.
Barangay tanod Jun Mangada, who accompanied Garcia, said there were at least five houses that incurred damage. “More or less 20 fire trucks (and) fire volunteers rushed to the scene,” he added.
The Southern Police District Fire Unit said the fire reached Task Force Alpha and was put out at around 2:15 p.m.
Ciron sent investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.
He also ordered them to check the report that the private plane was stolen and was supposed to fly to Palawan via Kota Kinabalu.
Jerry Juane, owner of the plane, went to the Airport Police Intelligence and Investigation Division and told Cpl. Alex Binuyo that he was supposed to sell his plane for P12 million to three businessmen allegedly connected with Wirelex Company.
According to Binuyo, Juane said the buyers already gave a down payment of P5.5 million and were supposed to settle the balance after three months.
Juane said he was supposed to have a meeting with the buyers yesterday morning at Shakey’s along the Domestic Road in Pasay City, but this did not push through.
“So Juane felt that there was something fishy going on. His caretaker later called and informed him that someone used his plane,” Binuyo said.
Based on the flight permit acquired by pilot Capt. Rivera from the CAAP, there were seven people who were supposed to join the trip to Palawan but three of the passengers apparently did not make it.