• BuNo: 160590
• Location: Near NAS Cubi Point, PI
• Date: Thu 02-Nov-1978
• Cause: Pilot Error
• Findings: Crashed at approximately 1845 hours, during ASW crew training/area familiarization near Mount Silanguin, Zambales Peninsula in the area of NAS Cubi Point, PI.
  
  Radar plot of the flight path of aircraft showed a climbing left turn at takeoff to a heading 250 to 260 degrees at 2,300 feet over Subic Bay. A slight left turn was then made to approximately 240 degrees climbing to 2,400 feet with aircraft still over water, approximately 1 1/2 mile North of Grande Island a slight right turn was made to approximately 250 degrees, climbing to 2,500 feet crossing the shore line and then descending to 2,300 feet, pilot responded to approach controllers call to turn to heading of 180 degrees, aircraft was still in left hand turn when impacted with the trees and side of mountain.
  
  In view of the darkness of the night, their relative unfamiliarity with NAS Cubi Point operations, and the thunderstorm and low clouds in the vicinity, the decision to make a VFR departure, although legal, was highly questionable and did not exhibit good headwork.
  
  There was an engineering investigation on the RH Fuel Pump and LH Fuel Control and Compressor and Turbine sections. Unknown results?
  
  Cause of mishap determined as Pilot Disorientation
  
  Crew of 4 killed.
  
  Takeoff at 1843, impact at 1845.
  
  Source: JAG Investigation Report.

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