PAF plane catches fire, disrupts flights  

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Air Force (PAF) plane bound for the Visayas was forced to do an emergency landing at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) after its engine caught fire early yesterday, blocking the runway for hours and disrupting both domestic and international flights.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the incident occurred at around 2:15 a.m. just minutes after takeoff of the Cessna 208B EX Grand Caravan from MCIA.

“The engine problem resulted to extreme difficulty in maneuvering the aircraft, but in spite of this, the pilots were able to land the aircraft, with all five aircrew onboard well and safe,” she said.

Castillo said the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft’s engine caught fire at an altitude of around 2,000 feet.

When the engine caught fire, Castillo said maneuverability was affected but it was fortunate that the engine did not die, which allowed the pilot to steer back and land the aircraft safely.

She said the aircraft itself was not burned or damaged but is now grounded as per investigation protocol along with two other similar Cessna 208B EX Grand Caravan light aircraft of the PAF.

“A thorough investigation of the incident is being undertaken, and rest assured the PAF is committed to ensuring the utmost safety of our air operations while continuously supporting the country’s security and development efforts,” she added.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reported that the runway of MCIA was closed at 2:15 a.m. due to the disabled aircraft but was back to normal operations at 5:10 a.m. after the aircraft was towed and clearing operations were done.

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said international and domestic flights arriving and departing were affected by the incident.

The three departing international flights affected were Asiana Airlines to Incheon, South Korea; China Eastern Airlines to Pudong, China and Cebu Pacific Air to Narita, Japan while the two arriving international flights were Starlux Airlines from Taipei and Philippine Airlines from Bangkok.

Some 30 domestic incoming and departure flights were also affected to and from Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Laguindingan, Siargao, Bacolod and Bicol.