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Lightning Distraction Leads to Hard Landing and Runway Excursion at Managua Airport (N401SH)

Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, NicaraguaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 18, 1993, a Boeing 737-200 (registration N401SH) operated by SAHSA - Servicios Aéreos de Honduras SA was involved in an aviation accident near Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, Nicaragua during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-05Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-200
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During approach in thunderstorm conditions, a captain was distracted by a lightning strike, leading to a nose-first landing that partially tore off the nose gear. The aircraft veered off the runway; all 94 occupants evacuated except one crew member seriously injured.

Approach in Poor Weather

The approach to Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino Airport was conducted in poor weather conditions, with limited visibility attributed to thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall.

Distraction on Short Final

On short final approach, the captain became distracted by a lightning strike that hit the ground to the right of the aircraft.

Hard Landing and Runway Excursion

The aircraft subsequently landed nose-first, causing the nose gear to be partially torn off. The aircraft then bounced, veered to the right off the runway, and came to rest 45 meters to the right of the runway.

Evacuation and Injuries

All 94 occupants evacuated the aircraft safely, with the exception of one crew member who sustained a serious injury. No other injuries were reported.

Weather

Related events

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 1993 Boeing 737-200 accident near Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, Nicaragua?

During approach in thunderstorm conditions, a captain was distracted by a lightning strike, leading to a nose-first landing that partially tore off the nose gear. The aircraft veered off the runway; all 94 occupants evacuated except one crew member seriously injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jul 1993 Boeing 737-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 1993 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration N401SH, operated by SAHSA - Servicios Aéreos de Honduras SA, at Managua-Augusto Cesar Sandino-Las Mercedes, Nicaragua.

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