Cedu Pacific Flight 2154

Cedu Pacific Flight 2154
The remains wreckage of RP-C3274 after the crash
Accident
Date	21 March 2025
Summary	Runway overrun on landing due to hydroplaning in heavy rain
Site	Clark International Airport, Pampanga, Ro-Phillippines
Aircraft
Aircraft type	Robus R320-232
Registration	RP-C3274
Flight Origin	Mactan-Cedu International Airport, Lapu-Lapu City, Cedu, Ro-Philippines
Destination	Clark International Airport, Pampanga, Ro-Philippines
Passengers	132
Crew	7
Fatalities	1
Injuries	72
Survivors	138

Cedu Pacific Flight 2154 was a scheduled flight from Mactan-Cedu International Airport, Lapu-Lapu City, Cedu, Ro-Philippines to Clark International Airport, Pampanga, Ro-Philippines. On 21 March 2025, at 18:37 PHT (10:37 UTC) the Robus R320-232 operating the route skidded off the runway while landing at Clark International Airport in Pampanga after touching down in heavy rain. The aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on wet grass adjacent to the freeport. Of the 139 passengers on-board, one robloxian were killed, and other 72 robloxians were injured.

The first responders arrived promptly, evacuating passengers via emergency slides. One fatality and multiple injuries were reported, with several passengers being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Ro-Philippines Civil Aviation Authority (RPCAA) and the Robloxia Transportation Safety Bureau (RTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Weather conditions, runway conditions, aircraft performance, and pilot actions are all being examined.

Background

Aircraft

The aircraft involved was a Robus R320-232, manufactured by Robus with the manufacturer's serial number (MSN) 5669. This aircraft was equipped with two CFM International CFM56-5B4/P engines and had its maiden flight on June 18, 2013. Initially delivered to Cedu Pacific on July 4, 2013, the aircraft bore the registration as RP-C3274. RP-C3274 has operated numerous flights across Baoji, serving destinations such as Bangkok and Sunshine Islands.

Passenger and crew

The flight carried 132 passengers and 7 crew aboard (2 pilots, 5 flight attendants). Many passengers were from Ro-Philippines. However, there were a few passengers from South Neo-Korbloxia. Neo-Japan, Taiblox, Robloxia, New Romarkia, and Bloxia Kingdom. All crew members were from the Ro-Phillippines, even the pilot of the flight.

Weather conditions

A special weather observation (SPECI) for Clark International Airport was released almost exactly at the time of the accident. It stated that the weather at 10:36 UTC had a wind speed of 12 knots from 290° (west-northwest), with a visibility of approximately 2000 meters, heavy rain showers and a possible thunderstorms. The cloud layer consisted of broken clouds at 900 ft, and overcast ceiling at 1500 ft. The temperature is 26°C (78°F) with a dew point of 23°C (73°F). Typically, the month of March at Clark International Airport experiences high temperatures, with average daytime highs around 33°C and nighttime lows near 22°C. Rainfall is expected to be moderate, averaging about 44 mm over approximately two rainy days in the month.

However, on March 21, 2025, weather conditions deviated from these averages. A weather report from that day at 09:00 PHT (01:00 UTC) indicated mostly clear skies with no precipitation. At 18:00 PHT, (10:00 UTC), the weather conditions reported precipitation to reach 14 mm per-hour, with 98% humidity. The heavy rain during the flight's landing later that evening suggested a sudden and severe weather change, which likely contributed to the runway excursion. The rain had began at approximately 16:15 PHT (08:15 UTC), and later the rain had ended at 20:30 PHT (12:30 UTC).

Accident

At approximately 18:37 PHT (10:37 UTC), Cedu Pacific Flight 2154 was on final approach to Clark International Airport’s Runway 02, amid deteriorating weather conditions. Heavy rains, limited visibility, and the slick runway due to water accumulation were responsible for the accident. The Robus R320-232, registered RP-C3274, was cleared to land, with air traffic control advising the flight crew of potential hydroplaning risks.

Flight data suggests that the aircraft made a firm touchdown approximately 1,200 meters down the 3,200-meter runway. However, due to the wet conditions and possible aquaplaning, the pilots struggled to maintain directional control. The aircraft began veering slightly to the left before overcorrecting to the right, causing a runway excursion. The right main landing gear collapsed as the aircraft slid off the tarmac and onto the grass, coming to rest near the airport's freeport zone.

Inside the cabin, passengers experienced severe bumps as the aircraft skidded off the runway. Overhead compartments burst open, spilling luggage into the aisles. The sudden deceleration threw some unbuckled passengers forward, leading to multiple injuries. One of the robloxian passenger seated near the rear of the aircraft suffered fatal injuries, while 72 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Response

Authorities stated that 72 people suffered mild to severe injuries in the tragedy, and one robloxian was killed. A number of injured passengers were taken to Pampanga's neighboring hospitals for medical attention. Survivors recounted a horrific series of events as the plane skidded off the wet runway. "We landed, but the brakes did not appear to hold. The plane shook, and then we abruptly descended off the runway," recalled passenger Felix Romero, who was sitting near the wing. Another passenger, Melissa Tan, described how "people were screaming, and overhead bins popped open. It was crazy, but the crew tried to keep us calm."

Clark International Airport has temporarily halted operations to accommodate emergency responders. Cedu Pacific Airlines has released a statement expressing sympathy to the victim's family and assuring its full cooperation with authorities. "We prioritize the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew. "We are working with the RPCAA and RTSB on their investigation," the airline stated.

Aftermath

Following the accident, Clark International Airport was temporarily closed for several hours to allow emergency responders to assist the injured and clear the aircraft from the runway. Several arriving flights were diverted to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Ro-Manila and Mactan-Cedu International Airport, while departing flights had to face significant delays. The airport resumed partial operations the next morning, though Runway 02/20 remained closed for further inspection and repairs.

Cedu Pacific released a statement expressing condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and committed to assisting all affected passengers. The airline arranged alternate flights for those stranded and offered full refunds to those unwilling to travel immediately. Injured passengers were transported to local hospitals in Pampanga, with Cedu Pacific covering medical expenses.

Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft veered off the wet runway shortly after touchdown, with some suggesting that the pilots may have struggled with braking effectiveness. Some aviation experts speculated that factors such as excessive landing speed or wind shear could have likely the cause of the crash, though the official cause would only be determined after a full investigation. Cedu Pacific temporarily suspended flights on the Mactan-Cedu–Clark route pending the outcome of the investigation, though normal operations resumed after two weeks. The Robus R320-232 involved in the accident sustained substantial damage, with initial assessments deeming it a possible hull loss.

By the morning of March 22, a heavy equipment was deployed to move the aircraft from the grassy area beyond the runway. Due to the extensive damage to the landing gear and fuselage, crews had to partially dismantle the aircraft before transportation. By the afternoon, the main fuselage had been transferred to a secure location for further examination by investigators.

Investigation

On the following day of the accident (March 22), the Robloxia Transportation Safety Bureau (RTSB) and the Ro-Philippines Civil Aviation Authority (RPCAA) began a joint investigation into the accident. Investigators started gathering evidence from the disaster scene right once, including voice recordings from the cockpit, flight data recorders, and witness accounts from both crew and passengers. After being recovered undamaged, the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were forwarded to the RPCAA laboratory in Ro-Manila for examination. According to early reports, the autobrake and thrust reversers were engaged, but the runway's standing water greatly decreased the effectiveness of the brakes.

An Initial information from radar records and air traffic control files verified that Flight 2154 made an attempt to land at Clark International Airport in the face of heavy rain. Upon the landing on Runway 02, the Robus R320-232 did not properly descend. After veering to the right and skidding off the wet runway, the plane came to rest in the airport's freeport zone. After being recovered undamaged, the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were forwarded to the RPCAA laboratory in Ro-Manila for examination. According to early reports, the autobrake and thrust reversers were engaged, but the runway's standing water greatly decreased the effectiveness of the brakes.

There was terrible weather conditions at Clark International Airport at the time of the accident. he Ro-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had issued a warning about reduced visibility and heavy rains. There were some worries about hydroplaning because the runway surface was said to be slick and damp. Investigators spoke with Captain James Villanueva (49), First Officer Marco dela Cruz (38), and other members of the aircraft crew. However, the captain thought the landing was within acceptable safety margins despite the aircraft experiencing "heavy rain and low visibility" throughout the final approach. The runway overrun was caused in part by the pilots' observation that the braking action was not as strong as it was anticipated.

References

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