The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is investigating the case of a Far Eastern Air plane which stalled at the runway of Kalibo International Airport, affecting the airport's operations and delaying the arrival and departure of other flights on Wednesday.
Eric Apolonio, chief information officer and spokesperson of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, said the pilot, co-pilot and other key personnel of the airline's FE321 flight are now the subjects of investigation after CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco formed a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Inquiry Board to look into the matter.
Apolonio said the airline crew and officials have been summoned to shed lights on the incident.
Initial investigation showed that on March 13, about 6 p.m., the plane (MCDonnell Douglas MD-83 type of aircraft) from Taipei with 121 passengers, eight of whom are minors, "overextended to the grassy area during execution of 180 degree turn" when it landed runway 05/23 of the airport.
The CAAP ordered the closure and the temporary suspension of the airport's operation following the incident.
Apolonio said the passengers were brought to the Terminal building and the normal operations of the airport resumed after more than one hour.
“The passengers were safe and unharmed and the plane was towed to the parking bay 1,” he said.
The result of the CAAP investigation will determine if the aircraft violated safety procedures.