CAAP reviewing condition of Bulacan airport after plane crash

PLARIDEL — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Sunday said it was reviewing the condition of the Plaridel airport, as it began its investigation of the March 17 crash of a light plane that slammed into a house and killed 10 people.

The six-seater, twin engine Piper PA-23 Apache (not Cessna, as earlier reported) took off from the airport around 11:30 a.m. and minutes later plunged toward the house and exploded.

The plane apparently hit a power line about 100 meters from the runway and slammed into the house of the Dela Rosa family in Barangay Lumang Bayan here.

CAAP said its investigators also wanted to determine if the residential area is too close to the airport.

Built in 1935, the airport was used for training of Allied Forces pilots during World War II. A community has grown around the airport, which continues to serve several aviation schools operating nearby.

The town government also wanted to know if the airport had become unsafe for residents living nearby.

Noel dela Rosa, Rissa’s husband, and their eldest son were not in the house when the plane fell through the roof and killed five family members having lunch.

“At the moment, I still do not know if we will sue the plane’s owners. The family of my mother-in-law will have to decide. But I will appreciate if they help in the funeral expenses,” Dela Rosa said. —CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE