14 Killed in Philippines Plane Crash

Trailing smoke from its left wing, a twin-engine commuter airplane carrying 34 people crashed into Manila Bay shortly after takeoff today. At least 14 people on board were killed and 16 survivors were plucked from the water, an airline official said.

The plane sank 50 to 60 feet, and divers were searching for four people who remained missing, said Alvin Manual Yater, assistant vice president of Laoag International Airlines.

Passenger Steve Thompson, 25, of Sydney, Australia, said he saw smoke coming from the left side of the 44-seat Fokker 27 just before the pilot came on the intercom to tell those on board to brace for impact. Thompson said he had been flying with five friends to the northern city of Laoag for a surfing vacation.

“The plane took off. It flew for three minutes, and then the engine kind of got quiet,” Thompson said after being taken to the navy’s bayside headquarters. His toes and arm were bandaged.

“I noticed some smoke coming out of the left engine, and then it banked. Then we ended up down in the water,” he said.

Asked if the passengers panicked, Thompson said: “The cabin instantly filled with water, so no one made any noises.” He said he didn’t know what had happened to his friends.

Philippine Air Transportation chief Adelberto Yap said the pilot had reported engine trouble.