MANILA, Philippines –Two pilots aboard a Cessna training aircraft were killed after the plane crashed in Lingayen, Pangasinan, on Sunday, March 30, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
“Authorities have initiated a formal investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Meanwhile, the flying school is grounded pending the results of the ongoing investigation,” CAAP said.
In a radio interview, Colonel Amor Mio Somine, officer-in-charge of the Lingayen police, confirmed the victims were a 32-year-old pilot and a 25-year-old student pilot.
The victims were onboard a Cessna training aircraft with tail number RP-C 8595 operated by the Pilipinas Space & Aviation Academy Inc. It just had its 10th touchdown in the Lingayen Airport and took off for its final round when the incident occurred. The plane crashed in a swampy area being used as a grazing spot.
The two were rescued from the crashed plane and were rushed to Lingayen District Hospital for medical attention but were declared dead on arrival. – with reports from Ahikam Pasion/Rappler.com