94 fatalities

18 Jan 1986: Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle VI-N — Aerovias Guatemala, lsf SAETA — 8 km from Flores-Santa Elena Airport (FRS)

8 km from Flores-Santa Elena Airport (FRS)

On 18 Jan 1986, a Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle VI-N operated by Aerovias Guatemala, lsf SAETA was involved in an aviation accident near 8 km from Flores-Santa Elena Airport (FRS). 94 people were killed. The investigation identified controlled flight into terrain as a causal factor. This summary draws on records from Wikidata contributors; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesWikidata contributorsPrimary reportUpdated 1780111919Data APIEditorial standards

A Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle III operated by Aerovías Guatemala crashed into a hill near Flores on January 18, 1986. All 93 people on board perished in the accident.

What happened

On January 18, 1986, an aircraft registered as XA-GUA was operating a domestic route from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City to Santa Elena Airport in Flores. The flight involved a Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle III. During the final approach phase to Santa Elena Airport, the aircraft deviated from its intended path and collided with a hillside. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane.

Investigation

The accident claimed the lives of every individual on board, including both passengers and crew members. The total number of fatalities was 93. This event remains the deadliest aviation disaster recorded in Guatemalan history. No specific mechanical failure or weather condition was detailed in the source material regarding the cause of the deviation.

Findings

The primary outcome of the crash was the complete loss of life among those aboard. The incident highlighted the risks associated with approach procedures in the region at that time. The registration XA-GUA is permanently associated with this tragedy.

Contributing factors

controlled flight into terrain