On Jan 5th 2026, a domestic flight in the central Philippines experienced a frightening end to an otherwise uneventful journey. A Sunlight Express Airways Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registered RP-C6683, was operating flight 2R-875 from Cebu to Siquijor when it encountered a serious control issue moments after touchdown.
The aircraft landed at Siquijor as planned, but immediately after touchdown the crew lost yaw control. Witnesses and crew observations indicated that rubber debris was being thrown up as the aircraft began to veer off course. Despite crew efforts, the aircraft could no longer be effectively piloted on the runway and departed the paved surface, coming to a stop off course.
The Philippines’ Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board confirmed that there were no injuries among those on board. The aircraft sustained only minor damage, but the event was classified as a serious incident due to the loss of directional control during the landing roll, a critical phase of flight.
As of Jan 16th 2026, the ATR remains on the ground in Siquijor while assessments and recovery planning continue. No weather data have been made available for the airport at the time of the occurrence, leaving investigators to focus on aircraft systems, runway conditions, and operational factors.
While the outcome spared passengers and crew from harm, the incident underscores how quickly routine landings can escalate into hazardous situations, and why post-landing control remains just as vital as the approach itself.
