Investigation Summary
The flight departed Cebu at 15:07 local time. Approximately 23 minutes into the flight, the right engine began experiencing intermittent fuel pump operation and vibration due to a loose idler gear shaft. Despite the developing mechanical issues, the pilot initially decided to continue toward Naga rather than returning to Cebu. As the engine failed completely, the crew diverted to Masbate. During the final approach to Runway 21, the pilot failed to maintain the necessary airspeed for single-engine flight. The investigation found that the pilot extended the landing gear and flaps too early, which created excessive drag that the remaining left engine could not overcome. The aircraft struck the water approximately 300 meters from the shoreline. The fuselage then settled on the seabed approximately 800 meters from the shore at a depth of 54 meters.
Final Conclusions
The Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) concluded that the primary cause was the pilot's failure to execute proper emergency procedures for a one-engine-inoperative landing. Contributing factors included improper maintenance by Aviatour Air, which was not authorized to perform such work, and the falsification of airworthiness documents. An inspector from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) had certified the aircraft as airworthy in January 2012 without conducting the required test flight.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Right Engine (Lycoming IO-360-C1E6)
Suffered internal failure due to a loose idler gear shaft, leading to misfiring and fuel pump issues.
Landing Gear and Flaps
Prematurely deployed by the pilot during the emergency approach, creating excessive drag that led to a loss of altitude and control.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was manufactured in 1972 and had accumulated 10,097.94 airframe hours.
- 02The pilot was the CEO of the operating company, Aviatour Air.
- 03The investigation found that the pilot had not been tested on one-engine-inoperative procedures during his last proficiency check.
- 04Aviatour Air was under investigation for a previous fatal crash in March 2012 at the time of this accident.
- 05The right engine failure was traced to a loose idler gear shaft causing erratic timing.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Administrative Dismissal
CAAP airworthiness inspector Fernando Valdez Abalos was dismissed from service for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty regarding the fraudulent certification of the aircraft.
Operational Suspension
Aviatour Air suspended its operations immediately following the crash, and its maintenance and charter authorizations were subsequently scrutinized.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Disputed Findings
Reference ↗Representatives of the pilot's family and Aviatour Air disputed the official investigation findings regarding pilot error and maintenance negligence.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the official investigation report.