2018 Philippines Piper PA-23 crash


On 17 March 2018, a Piper PA-23 Apache crashed into a residential area in Plaridel, Bulacan, Philippines, killing all five passengers onboard and five others on the ground.

Aircraft

The aircraft involved was a six-seater Piper PA-23 light aircraft operated by Lite Air Express, with tail number RP-C299.

Crash

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the aircraft bound for Laoag, Ilocos Norte crashed upon takeoff from Plaridel Airport at 11:21, local time. Shortly before the crash, eyewitnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying low, hitting a tree and an electric post, before slamming into the house.
Authorities said the plane carried five people. The five other casualties, which included three minors, belonged to a family living in the house the plane crashed into. In addition, two other people were injured by burning debris.

Investigation

CAAP's accident investigators and a team from Flight Safety & Inspectorate Service were immediately dispatched to the crash site.
CAAP said that all aircraft operated by Lite Air Express are grounded pending results of investigation.