The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday announced it has extended the preventive suspension of Topflite Academy of Aviation’s flight training operations following the July 11crash landing of its Cessna plane near the Iba Airport in Zambales, leaving four people injured.
“This measure is in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and reinforce accountability within the aviation sector,” the CAAP said in a statement.
The agency explained it was necessary to extend the suspension pending completion of the investigation and all safety and compliance issues were fully addressed.
CAAP director general retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario emphasized that their action was important to “protect future aviators and preserve the integrity of aviation training by ensuring that all flight schools strictly adhere to established safety protocols and regulatory standards.”
“CAAP assures the public and aviation stakeholders that strict oversight continues to be implemented to safeguard the integrity of pilot training institutions and ensure safe, responsible, and compliant operations throughout the aviation sector,” he said.
Reports from the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group indicated that the plane crashed in an agricultural area of Barangay Lipay Dingin Panibutan.
The Cessna 172 aircraft with tail number RP-C2211 departed from Iba Airport at approximately 8:57 a.m. for a local training flight when the incident occurred in Purok 4, Sitio Corocan. Aboard were a flight instructor and three student pilots. The victims were taken to the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital by the responders.
