The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced Friday that Search and Rescue (SAR) units have activated an incident command system (ICS) in response to the disappearance of a Piper PA-32-300 (with registry RP-C1234) aircraft, owned by Fliteline Airways and operated by Cyclone Airways.
The aircraft departed from Cauayan Airport in Isabela at 9:39 AM and was supposed to arrive at Palanan Airport at 10:23 AM. However, no said aircraft arrived at that time.
RP-C1234 was carrying two individuals: the pilot and a single passenger. The final communication between the aircraft and Cauayan Tower took place around 9:50 AM on Thursday.
The aircraft’s last known location, as recorded by FlightRadar24.com at 10:00 AM, was approximately 29.09 nautical miles east of Cauayan Airport. The last recorded position of the aircraft is being used as the starting point for the SAR operations.
The ICS was organized by the Palanan Philippine National Police (PNP), with a team composed of PNP personnel, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). A PNP team of 32 personnel is currently conducting an investigation in Barangay Casala, San Mariano, Isabela, enroute to the possible location of the aircraft.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Dilasag has received the report regarding the incident but has not yet dispatched their team due to adverse weather conditions. The Philippine Air Force’s SAR assets are also ready for deployment, pending improved weather conditions.
Local Government Units (LGUs) are actively participating in the search efforts. The Palanan LGU has deployed 44 personnel to Sitio Dipadsangan, San Mariano, Isabela. The Maconacon LGU has instructed their barangays and local fishermen to provide any new information regarding the incident. However, no new information has been received so far.
The SAR teams are prepared to investigate the possible locations of the missing aircraft, RP-C1234. However, the unstable weather and large waves are currently hindering the dispatch of teams.
The incident group, including the CAAP Operations Center (OpCen) and the Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (PARCC), convened virtually at the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 2 (TOG2) Headquarters in Cauayan City, Isabela.
As the search continues, all parties involved are hopeful for a positive outcome. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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