Accident Overview
On March 17, 2025, at approximately 18:10 local time (UTC-6), a Jetstream 3200 with registration HR-AYW, operated by Línea Aerea Nacional de Honduras S.A. (LANHSA), landed at Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (MHRO) on Roatán Island, Honduras, arriving from Goloson International Airport (MHLC). After landing, passengers disembarked, and the copilot conducted a preflight inspection. Boarding of passengers began at 18:19. The aircraft then had 2 crew members and 15 passengers on board, totaling 17 occupants. Engine start was authorized at 18:22, and taxi to runway 07 began at 18:24. At 18:27, the aircraft was positioned at the threshold of runway 07 ready for takeoff.
The Accident
The aircraft commenced its takeoff roll. During the initial climb phase, a right deviation from the runway centerline was observed (based on video footage of the departure). While deviating, at an approximate height of 7 meters, the aircraft struck a ladder located on the platform of the VOR installation, situated on the right side of the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft impacted the surface of the Caribbean Sea. The aircraft came to rest submerged at a depth of 164 feet, with wreckage located at coordinates 16° 18' 59.8'' N, 86° 31' 11.1'' W, approximately 1,110 meters from the threshold of runway 07.
Injuries and Damage
As a result of the accident, 12 people died, including both crew members and 10 passengers. Five passengers sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The accident occurred during night conditions, with visibility of 10 km or more.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage from the impact. Findings included separation of the right wing from the root, separation of sections of the lower forward fuselage, and damage to the empennage. The main landing gear suffered structural damage. Leading edges of wing surfaces and fuselage were also damaged. The aircraft ended up submerged at a depth of approximately 180 feet, about 100 meters from the coast.
Both engines sustained substantial damage. The left engine remained attached to the wing structure, while the right engine was detached from its mounting point. Propellers on both engines exhibited blade deformation. Additionally, the entire propeller assembly of the left engine became detached.
Other Damage
The accident caused damage to third-party property and environmental impact. Specifically, structural damage occurred to a wooden ladder belonging to the VOR support infrastructure, located approximately 1,046 meters from the threshold of runway 07 and 103 meters from its centerline. Regarding environmental impact, the final resting position of the aircraft was in a submerged area of high ecological sensitivity, characterized by coral reef formations.
Crew Information
The pilot in command was a 52-year-old Honduran national, holding a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a Class I Medical Certificate issued on August 9, 2024.