a central Philippine airport, leaving six people aboard shaken but unhurt, officials said Wednesday. The turboprop BN Islander, owned by Filipino legislator Rep. Prospero Pichay, came from southern Davao city.
It was on its final approach in central Cebu province to refuel before heading to Manila, but "its engine suddenly conked out," Air Transport Office official Manuel Villegas said, referring to engine failure.
The pilot managed to ditch the plane near a beach resort on Mactan island, and the six people aboard were helped by local authorities out of the aircraft, which was half submerged in knee-deep waters, he said.
It was not immediately clear if Pichay, a key political backer of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was on board, Villegas said.
The accident is under investigation.
