Air Force probing cause of aircraft incident in Batanes, no injuries reported

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said it is investigating the cause of an incident involving its aircraft that landed with a detached tire at Basco Airport in Batanes during a relief mission on Friday, Nov. 1.

The incident happened around 3 p.m., involving its C295 aircraft carrying food packs, the PAF said.

In a statement, Armed Forces Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said the aircraft "experienced detached nose landing gear tire” upon touchdown in Basco.

“The aircraft, which departed Manila earlier, that day completed its flight to Basco with no injuries reported among the pilots or crew. The aircraft is currently secured on the active runway as the situation is assessed,” she said.

Meanwhile, the PAF assured the public its relief operations will continue in Batanes and other typhoon-hit areas despite what happened.

On Friday, Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco announced that the Basco Airport will be closed to fixed-wing aircrafts until Nov. 3, following the incident.