Accident Overview
On January 12, 2025, at approximately 17:35 local time (23:35 UTC), a Thrush Aircraft S2R-T34 agricultural spray aircraft, registration HR-AZD, crashed near Finca Santa Ines in El Aguan, Olanchito, Yoro Department, Honduras. The aircraft was operating a commercial agricultural fumigation flight for Standard Fruit de Honduras, S.A. The accident resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a single-engine Thrush Aircraft S2R-T34 (serial T34-300), manufactured in 2009. It was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34AG turboprop engine. The aircraft was painted yellow and had a maximum takeoff weight of 9,500 lbs. Its airworthiness certificate (AIR: 051/2024) was valid, and the aircraft was insured under policy SIHL1-N474 with USAIG from April 1, 2023 to April 1, 2026. The aircraft was certified for agricultural operations and had a passenger capacity of one. At the time of the accident, only the pilot was on board.
Flight Narrative
The flight departed from El Olvido airstrip, intending to conduct aerial application over banana plantations in the Isleta area of Colón Department. After takeoff and while en route, the aircraft struck the top of a tree. This initial impact caused the aircraft to collide with a second tree before descending to the ground. The aircraft then traveled approximately 100 meters across the terrain before coming to rest. The impact and subsequent ground slide resulted in the complete destruction of the airframe.
Investigation
The Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIA) of the Honduran Civil Aviation Agency (AHAC) has initiated an investigation. As of the preliminary report, investigators are collecting information, documentation, and other data necessary for analysis. The probable cause of the accident has not yet been determined and will be disclosed in the final report.