Training plane makes emergency landing in Bulacan; pilots safe

PLARIDEL, BULACAN – A Piper Tomahawk (RPC1085) training aircraft, owned by Flightline Aviation Flight School, was forced to make an emergency landing in an open field in Brgy. Langlagan, Plaridel, Bulacan, at approximately 9:45 AM on Wednesday, 19 February.

The aircraft was being flown by Instructor Pilot Valentin Torres III and Student Pilot David Cabrera during a proficiency flight. Despite the unexpected landing, both pilots were unharmed and in good condition.

A PNP Robinson R44 helicopter crew — PMAJ Bjorn Nicole A. Blanes (Pilot-in-Command), PMAJ Junedel S. Mormolindo (Co-pilot), and PCPT Benedict D.T. De Guzman (Pilot)—was in the area conducting a separate flight when they received a distress call regarding the aircraft.

The PNP Air Unit quickly located the landing site (Coordinates: 14°52'35"N, 120°50'43"E) and confirmed that the pilots were safe. They then coordinated with the Plaridel Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Aviation Security Unit 3 (AVSEU 3) for scene turnover before resuming their flight.

The cause of the emergency landing is still under investigation. Authorities from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and other relevant agencies are expected to assess the aircraft and determine what led to the incident.