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46 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident near Saposoa (FAP392)

Saposoa, PeruLanding (descent or approach)

On June 18, 1987, an Antonov AN-26 (registration FAP392) operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú was involved in an aviation accident near Saposoa, Peru during landing or approach. 46 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees after descending below a safe altitude during an approach through heavy rain and low visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a forested region near the Jerache River during its approach to Saposoa, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to the Saposoa airport, the flight encountered severe weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and significantly reduced visibility. While navigating through these difficult environmental conditions, the aircraft descended too low and collided with trees within a densely wooded area. The wreckage was located approximately 40 km southeast of the airport, in the vicinity of the Jerache River.

All 46 people on board the aircraft perished in the impact.

Findings

  • The crew was operating in an environment with poor visibility caused by intense rain.
  • The primary factor contributing to the accident was the low altitude of the aircraft during the approach, which led to the collision with vegetation.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees after descending below a safe altitude during an approach through heavy rain and low visibility.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 1987 Antonov AN-26 accident near Saposoa, Peru?

An aircraft crashed into a forested region near the Jerache River during its approach to Saposoa, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jun 1987 Antonov AN-26 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 46 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 1987 involved an Antonov AN-26, registration FAP392, operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú, at Saposoa, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees after descending below a safe altitude during an approach through heavy rain and low visibility.

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