Plane crashes off Zambales; 6 injured

MANILA, Philippines — Six persons were injured when an aircraft crashed around 500 meters from the shoreline in Iba, Zambales early yesterday.

Col. Fernando Cunanan Jr. of the Central Luzon police Maritime Group identified the victims as pilot Mel Bidayan and Capts. Robin Austria, Aldrich Sagario, James Reamon, John Mitchel Agdamag and Vian Luiz.

The six were rescued by personnel of the Philippine National Police maritime unit and local fishermen. They were  taken to the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Police are eyeing mechanical failure as the cause of the accident.

Eric Apolonio, spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), said the Aero Commander 685 aircraft operated by Sentinel Logistics Air Management took off before 7 a.m. for a test flight.

CAAP Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board probers Col. Rommel Ronda and Ralph Fango were dispatched to the scene.  – Emmanuel Tupas, Ric Sapnu, Rudy Santos, Bebot Sison Jr.