Summary
On March 17, 2025, a Jetstream 3200 aircraft, registration HR-AYW, operated by Línea Aerea Nacional de Honduras S.A. (LANHSA), suffered an accident during takeoff from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport in Roatán, Honduras. The aircraft was departing for a flight to La Ceiba after a brief turnaround. During the initial climb, it deviated to the right, struck a wooden staircase at the VOR installation, and then impacted the Caribbean Sea. The aircraft was destroyed and came to rest submerged at a depth of 164 feet.
Factual Information
The accident occurred on March 17, 2025, at approximately 18:25 local time (UTC-6). The aircraft had arrived from Goloson International Airport (MHLC) at 18:10. After passengers disembarked, the copilot performed a preflight inspection, and boarding of new passengers began at 18:19. The aircraft had 2 crew and 15 passengers on board, totaling 17 occupants. Engine start was authorized at 18:22, taxi to runway 07 began at 18:24, and the aircraft was ready for takeoff at 18:27.
During takeoff roll and initial climb, a deviation to the right of the runway centerline was observed. At an approximate height of 7 meters, the aircraft struck a wooden staircase located at the VOR installation on the right side of the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted the surface of the Caribbean Sea. The wreckage was located at coordinates 16° 18' 59.8'' N, 86° 31' 11.1'' W, approximately 1,110 meters from the threshold of runway 07, at a depth of 164 feet. The accident occurred during nighttime conditions with visibility of 10 kilometers or more.
Injuries
As a result of the accident, 12 people died: both crew members and 10 passengers. Five passengers sustained serious injuries. No other persons were injured.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The right wing separated at the root, sections of the lower forward fuselage separated, and the empennage was damaged. The main landing gear had structural damage. Leading edges of wing surfaces and fuselage were damaged. Both engines suffered substantial damage; the left engine remained attached, while the right engine separated from its mount. Propeller blades of both engines were deformed; the left engine's propeller assembly separated completely.
Other Damage
The accident caused damage to third-party property and environmental impact. A wooden staircase belonging to the VOR support infrastructure was structurally damaged. The staircase was located approximately 1,046 meters from the runway 07 threshold and 103 meters from the centerline. The final resting position of the aircraft was in a submerged area of high ecological sensitivity, characterized by coral reef formations.
Crew Information
The captain was a 52-year-old Honduran national holding a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a Class 1 medical certificate issued on August 9, 2024. No further crew information was provided.
Investigation Status
This provisional report is issued by the Honduran Accident Investigation Commission (CIAIA) to show progress and prevent recurrence. The investigation is ongoing, and probable cause has not yet been determined.