After the engine of PAL Flight PR113 (Boeing 777, RIP-C7775) began to emit smoke and flames shortly after its departure for Manila, Benilde alumnus Capt. Tristan Simeon and his flight crew successfully pulled off an emergency landing at the Los Angeles National Airport (LAX) on Thursday, Nov. 21 L.A. time (Friday, Nov. 22 MNL time).

Capt. Simeon, Purser Joanne Mari Dirige, and the rest of the flight and cabin crew were quick to address the problem, and they immediately called for a precautionary emergency landing. After the plane’s landing at approximately 12:00 n.n., passengers immediately disembarked and  were attended to.

PAL released an official statement, commending the plane’s crew members for their brave efforts.

“We likewise recognize and appreciate the calm professionalism exhibited by our experienced flight and cabin crew, headed by Captain Triston Simeon and Purser Joanne Marie Dirige, in executing the unscheduled landing and taking care of our passengers,” the statement read.

The statement by PAL also reported no injuries, saying that, “All 342 passengers and 18 crew members are safe.”

The flight crew consisted of Capt. Triston Ray Abracia Simeon, First Officer Louie Quinit, Second Officer Iris Matilde Leoncio, Second Officer Pio Paolo Gindap, while the cabin crew roster was led by Purser Joan Dirige.

Capt. Simeon graduated from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications.