A flight instructor and three student pilots were injured when a Cessna aircraft (RP-C211) crashed at Purok 3, CDO Compound in Barangay LDP, Iba, Zambales, on Friday morning, July 11.
According to Police Colonel Benjamin Ariola, Zambales Police Provincial Office director, the victims were identified as Capt. Jacques Robert V. Papio (flight instructor), and student pilots Angelo Josh Quinsasay, Althea Kisses Nuñez, and Jericho Palma.
Initial investigation revealed that the aircraft had landed at Iba Airport after coming from Olongapo.
As the group attempted to take off again, the plane reportedly encountered a mechanical issue mid-air and crashed into an open area of the compound.
“Galing sila ng Olongapo at lumapag sa Iba airport. Nang palipad na uli sila at nakaangat na sa ere ang Cessna pero sa hindi malamang dahilan ay nag-stuck sila at bumangga sa compound na open area,” said Major Rolando Ballon, Iba chief of police
All passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital (PRRMH) in Iba.
As of 8 p.m. Friday, they were all reported to be in stable condition. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)
