Go, team abort flight after plane stalls

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go and his team had to abort their flight to the Visayas after their aircraft stalled upon takeoff at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yesterday.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported that Go was one of seven passengers of a Super King Air 350 chartered flight for Catarman, Samar when one of its landing gears became stuck in a grassy portion of the domestic runway while maneuvering for takeoff.

Go, however, said the aircraft developed engine trouble. He and his team were supposed to inspect a Super Health Center and a newly constructed covered court in Lavezares as well as the renovated public market in Catarman.

“At 10 a.m. today, our plane had to abort the flight at NAIA after developing a mechanical issue in one of its engines. My team and I were supposed to be on our way to distribute assistance to our fellow Filipinos affected by heavy rains and floods in Mapanas, Catarman and Lavezares, all in Northern Samar,” Go said in a statement sent to Senate reporters.

Despite their best efforts to secure alternative flights, Go said they failed to push through with the visit.

“The safety of everyone on board is also paramount. However, we made sure that the scheduled activities, particularly the distribution of much-needed assistance to the affected families, be conducted without delay,” he added.

The MIAA’s media affairs division said no other flights were affected as airport operations resumed after its airport ground operations and safety division cleared the area and towed the aircraft to the San Miguel Corp. hangar at around 10:45 a.m.