Laoag - Nichols AFB

On September 14, 1978 at 02:50 PM, Laoag - Nichols AFB experienced a crash involving Fokker F27 Friendship, operated by Philippine Air Force - Hukbong Himpapawid NG Pilipinas, with the event recorded near Nichols AFB (Manila) Metro Manila.

The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a city crash site.

28 people were known to be on board, 33 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 117.9%.

Crew on board: 4, crew fatalities: 2, passengers on board: 24, passenger fatalities: 19, other fatalities: 12.

The listed crash cause is weather. The airplane was completing a special flight from Laoag to Nichols AFB (Manila Intl Airport) on behalf of the Philippines Presidency, carrying soldiers, policemen, journalists and members of the government security agency flying back to Manila after taking part to the celebrations of the 61st anniversary of the President Ferdinand Marcos. On final approach to runway 06 in poor weather conditions, the airplane lost height, struck 10 houses and crashed in a swampy area located few hundred meters short of runway threshold. Seven occupants in the airplane were rescued while 21 others were killed as well as 12 people on the ground. 20 other people on the ground were seriously injured.

Aircraft reference details include registration 10328, MSN 10328, year of manufacture 1967.