Air Philippines Flight 541 was a scheduled domestic service from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/RPLL) in Manila to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO/RPMD) in Davao City. On the 19th of April 2000, the Boeing 737-2H4 crashed near Samal, Davao del Norte, during its approach, claiming the lives of all 124 passengers and 7 crew members.
The flight, operated by a Boeing 737-200, departed Manila at 05:21 and was due to arrive in Davao at approximately 06:45. It was conducting a route check for one captain, with another acting as Pilot Monitoring. The flight until the approach was without incident. During an ILS approach to runway 05, the crew was informed they would be following a Philippine Airlines flight 809, an Airbus A319. Upon breaking through the clouds, the A319 was visible on the runway. The Pilot Flying planned a 360° turn, but the Pilot Monitoring incorrectly communicated a right turn to ATC, deviating from the standard missed approach procedure which required a left turn to a 020° heading. The plane re-entered the clouds, attempting to navigate visually at a lower altitude in instrument conditions, rather than climbing to the mandatory 4000 feet.
Subsequently, the flight moved over Samal Island, requesting a VOR/DME approach for runway 23, which was approved by the controller. While aligning with the runway, the aircraft descended below the prescribed glide path, dropping to 570 feet instead of the expected 1500 feet. The aircraft then crashed into a coconut plantation on a hillside in Barangay San Isidro, broke apart, and ignited.
This crash is recorded as the most catastrophic aviation accident in the history of the Philippines and the third deadliest involving a Boeing 737-200.
Aircraft Information:
Airline: Air Philippine
Code:2P/GAP
Aircraft: Boeing 737-2H4
Registration: RP-C3010
Serial Number: 21447
Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A
First Flew: 19/01/1978
Age: 22.3 Years
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