4 hurt as trainer plane crashes in Batangas

TANAUAN CITY, Batangas, Philippines   â€“ Four persons were injured when a trainer plane they were riding crashed in Barangay Trapichie in this city Sunday.

Among the injured were the plane’s pilot, Capt. Richard Rieza, 27; his two students – Niel Gideon Muya, 20, and Gilbert Bagas, 27, both of Perpetual Aviation School – and aircraft technician Vic Roldan, 41.

The victims were taken to the Daniel Mercado Medical Center for treatment and were later transferred to the Perpetual Hospital, Tanauan Mayor Antonio Halili said.

In a text message to The STAR, Eric Apolonio of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the victims were conducting a test flight when the plane’s right wing hit the ground as it was taking off at about 2 p.m.

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the accident, although they were eyeing engine trouble and human error, said Superintendent Christopher Olaso of the city police.

The plane is reportedly owned and operated by the Perpetual Aviation School based in Metro Manila.  â€“ With Arnell Ozaeta