N349CA King Air

Fatal Accident (4) – Beechcraft B300 King Air 350, N349CA, Ampatuan, Philippines, February 6, 2025

Aviation Safety X Report

On February 6, 2025, at approximately 14:00 local time, a Beechcraft B300 King Air 350, registered as N349CA and operated by Metrea Special Aerospace, crashed in Barangay Malatimon, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. The aircraft was en route from Mactan, Cebu, to Cotabato and was destroyed in the incident. All four occupants aboard were fatally injured, and no ground casualties were reported. This incident marks a significant loss for both the aviation operator and the communities connected to those onboard. Eyewitness accounts from local residents suggest the aircraft plummeted into a rice field following a loud crashing sound. Initial assessments indicate the crash occurred during the en route phase of flight. The crash site, a rural agricultural area, offered limited navigational infrastructure, potentially complicating the aircraft’s trajectory or response to emergent mechanical issues. The aircraft was manufactured in 2002, and its operational status and maintenance records prior to the flight are subjects of ongoing investigation. Preliminary data points to adverse environmental or mechanical conditions as potential contributors. As of now, no severe weather events were reported in the vicinity during the time of the accident. However, aviation investigators are reviewing any navigational challenges, communication logs, and aircraft performance anomalies that might have contributed. Witness reports of unusual engine noises before impact are under scrutiny to identify whether mechanical failure played a role. The Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 is a twin-engine turboprop known for its versatility in commercial and defense applications. N349CA, in particular, was reportedly involved in contracted operations for U.S. defense activities. This adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as additional oversight by U.S. aviation authorities, in collaboration with local counterparts, will be necessary to address jurisdictional aspects and regulatory adherence. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has acknowledged the aircraft’s affiliation with U.S. defense operations and deferred public inquiries to respective aviation authorities. The incident underscores the importance of stringent maintenance and operational protocols, especially for aircraft engaged in sensitive missions. Comprehensive forensic examinations of the wreckage and data recorders, if recoverable, will provide critical insights into the accident’s cause. This crash serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in aviation operations, particularly in geographically and logistically challenging regions. The ongoing investigation will aim to uncover definitive causes, recommend safety measures, and bring closure to affected families and organizations. The findings are anticipated to contribute to improving operational safety standards in similar contexts worldwide.

Video V1 V2 V3	Accident Location: Barangay Malatimon, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines 6°51’51.42″N 124°30’40.66″E	FAA Registration 🇺🇸 N349CA	Year of Manufacture 2001
Serial Number FL-349	ADS-B Exchange	flightradar24	FlightAware
NTSB Database	Social Media LinkedIn Facebook X Instagram	Local News Politiko Shine philstar LN4	National News NN1 NN2 NN3 NN4
ASN	Aircraft Operator Private	Image References Planespotters Twimg IR3 IR4	Additional

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