Cargo plane's landing gear explodes at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - A World War II vintage cargo plane swerved off the runway and had its right landing gear explode upon landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport while on a test flight yesterday.

The pilot, Capt. Alejandre Sagala, and his two passengers were unhurt.

Octavio Lina, Manila International Airport Authority assistant general manager for operations, said the twin-engine DC-3’s right landing gear exploded after landing near the old Nayong Pilipino at 11 a.m. The plane had landed during a strong crosswind, he added.

Aviation experts said the pilot apparently attempted to counteract the crosswind by landing on the right wheel first, a common practice among pilots.

However, the landing gear was not able to carry the extra weight, blowing out in the process and sending the plane out of control, they added.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines closed the runway for two hours.

The aircraft is owned by Victoria Air, a company that transports marine products from Roxas City, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Palawan and General Santos City to Metro Manila.   – Rudy Santos