Contact lost with Cessna plane flying from Bicol –CAAP

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed that Bicol Airport air traffic controllers lost contact with a Cessna 340 airplane on Saturday morning.

According to Mao dela Cruz's Super Radyo dzBB report, CAAP said the aircraft with registry number RP-C2080 departed Bicol International Airport at 6:43 a.m.

Air traffic controllers last contacted the aircraft at 6:46 a.m., when the plane was in the vicinity of Camalig at an altitude of 2,600 feet.

That plane was expected to arrive in Manila at 7:53 a.m. CAAP said the plane was carrying four people, including the pilot, crew, and two passengers.

A communication search by Manila Area Control Center, Manila Approach, Naga Tower, Clark Tower, and Changi Airport failed to make contact with the plane.

"Concerned agencies and authorities such as the local government unit of Camalig, Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) have been informed about the incident and are coordinating with CAAP in the search and rescue (SAR) operations for the aircraft," CAAP said in a statement. 

"CAAP has also dispatched officers from its Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) to assist in the emergency that is now in Distress Phase (DETRESFA)," it added. — DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News