The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) C-295 medium transport aircraft, which was involved in a landing mishap in Batanes on November 1, is repairable and may be returned to service.
“Yes, the C-295 involved in Batanes is repairable. Last night, we were able to tow the aircraft to the side of Basco Airport. Basco Airport can now resume its operations,” said AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner.
During a media briefing held after the opening ceremonies of the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGITPA” 08-2024 held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Brawner addressed concerns regarding the government’s airlift capabilities for disaster relief missions.
He affirmed that the government still has other airlift assets available and that aside from the C-295 medium transports, the Philippine Air Force still has C-130 cargo aircraft ready for use.
Brawner noted that relief goods can now be transported again to the typhoon-battered communities on the island.
“In anticipation of the arrival of Tropical Storm Marce, we have already prepositioned family food packs in Batanes,” he remarked.
Earlier, the PAF announced that it is investigating an incident in which one of its C-295 transport aircraft detached its nose landing gear while landing at Basco Airport on Friday afternoon.
“On or about 3 p.m. on November 1, 2024, a C-295 aircraft of the PAF on a humanitarian assistance disaster relief (HADR) mission carrying essential relief supplies encountered an incident while landing at Basco Airport,” reported PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
She further stated that an investigation is ongoing and no conclusions have been reached regarding the cause of the incident. Castillo confirmed that all pilots and crew members aboard the C-295 are safe.
The C-295, with tail number 217, was carrying family food packs for the Office of Civil Defense at the time of the incident.
