A few hours after resuming normal operations following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Leon, the Basco Airport in Batanes was again closed for the weekend after a Philippine Air Force Airbus C-295 skidded off the runway at about 4 p.m. Friday.
The medium tactical transport aircraft, with Tail No. 217, delivered relief goods for the typhoon victims.
According to reports, the aircraft skidded off the runway after its nose landing gear detached upon touchdown.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Basco said the airport would be closed to fixed-wing aircraft until Nov. 3 while an investigation is being conducted, a statement from the provincial government said.
All crew and passengers are safe, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said after an emergency meeting.
Leon placed Batanes under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 on Oct. 30. Initial reports said 546 families, or 1,589 individuals, were evacuated from their homes.
The airport was back to normal at 9:10 a.m. Friday, as announced by CAAP, until the accident happened. (PNA)
