A tragic aircraft incident at Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga Airport, USU) earlier today resulted in the deaths of the pilot and co-pilot, causing temporary suspension of airport operations and sparking an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that landing and takeoff operations have now returned to normal after the runway was temporarily closed. The closure followed the crash-landing of a Beechcraft H18S aircraft with tail number RP-C2984 at the end of Runway 08 at approximately 1134H PhST. The aircraft had just departed for Sangley Point Airport (SGL) when the incident occurred.
Flights affected by the temporary unavailability of the runway included DG 6035, which returned to Clark International Airport (CRK), and PR 2664, which diverted back to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). CAAP assured travelers that normal flight operations resumed shortly after emergency response teams cleared the runway.
Reports from XFM Palawan indicate that the light aircraft crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff in Barangay Decalachao, Coron. Two pilots aboard the plane were seriously injured in the initial impact, according to early reports, although Radyo Bandera Philippines later confirmed both the pilot and co-pilot had died. The aircraft was transporting 63 boxes of live lapu-lapu (grouper) bound for Sangley.
Initial assessments suggest that possible engine trouble may have contributed to the crash, though authorities emphasized that investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause. There is no confirmation yet on whether any other passengers were on board at the time of the accident. Emergency responders, including airport fire trucks and local authorities, were immediately dispatched to the scene to contain the fire and assist with recovery operations.
Local authorities have cordoned off the crash site in Barangay Decalachao while investigators from CAAP and other aviation safety bodies conduct thorough inspections of the wreckage. The incident has raised questions about aircraft maintenance and operational safety, particularly for light aircraft operating in regional routes carrying live cargo.
The deaths of the pilot and co-pilot mark one of the most serious aviation incidents in Palawan in recent years. Officials have urged the public and media to rely on verified information as investigations proceed and reminded travelers that the airport is now fully operational. As authorities continue to examine the factors behind the crash, the aviation community and local residents in Coron mourn the loss of the two pilots who perished in today’s tragic incident.