Incident Overview

Date: Saturday 17 October 2009
Aircraft Type: Douglas DC-3C
Owner/operator: Victoria Air
Registration Number: RP-C550
Location: ca 3,5 km SW of Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) – ÿ Philippines
Phase of Flight: Initial climb
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 4
Component Affected: Left engineLeft engine
Category: Accident
A Douglas DC-3 crashed in a warehouse near Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) after takeoff, carrying a cargo of aircraft fuel. The pilot reported a technical problem and returned to the airport due to a malfunction. The aircraft crashed approximately 3.5 km short of the runway, bursting into flames. The probable cause was identified as improper power application during takeoff and initial climb, insufficient flight crew qualifications, low-level competence, incorrect engine feathering, and failure to declare an emergency.A Douglas DC-3 crashed in a warehouse near Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) after takeoff, carrying a cargo of aircraft fuel. The pilot reported a technical problem and returned to the airport due to a malfunction. The aircraft crashed approximately 3.5 km short of the runway, bursting into flames. The probable cause was identified as improper power application during takeoff and initial climb, insufficient flight crew qualifications, low-level competence, incorrect engine feathering, and failure to declare an emergency.

Description

A Douglas DC-3 operated by Victoria Air, was destroyed when it crashed in a warehouse shortly after takeoff from Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Philippines. The airplane took off from runway 24 at 11:56. The airplane reportedly carried a cargo consisting of six drums of aircraft fuel on a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS). Shortly after takeoff the crew informed the Manila Tower controller that they were returning due to a technical problem. The crew did not declare an emergency. Air traffic control cleared the flight to turn around an land on runway 06. The pilot was not able to maintain altitude and the aircraft crashed some 3,5 km short of runway 06. It came down on an abandoned warehouse and burst into flames. PROBABLE CAUSE: The Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board determine that the probable causes of this accident were the following: – Non-procedural application of power during take-off and initial climb that led to left engine malfunction. – The questionable qualifications of the flight crew. – Low level of competence of the pilots. – Not feathering the left engine. – Turning towards the bad engine. – Not declaring an emergency.

Source of Information

http://www.caap.gov.ph/images/aaiib/2009acc/RP-C550.pdfhttp://www.caap.gov.ph/images/aaiib/2009acc/RP-C550.pdf

Primary Cause

Improper power application during takeoff and initial climb.Improper power application during takeoff and initial climb.

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