What happened
Shortly after departing from Punta Coco Airport on Isla del Rey, an aircraft was cruising at 2,500 feet over the Bay of Panama when the right engine ceased functioning. Following the mechanical failure, the pilot notified air traffic control and feathered the propeller to manage the engine loss. The flight crew intended to proceed to the destination airport, but found it impossible to reach Panama City-Marcos A. Gelabert Airport.
In an effort to reach a suitable landing site, the pilot lowered the altitude and executed an emergency landing on Perico Island, located approximately 8 km east of the intended destination. During the landing sequence, the right main landing gear was ripped from the aircraft. The plane slid for several dozen meters across the terrain before colliding with a freight container. While the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, all eight occupants managed to exit the wreckage uninjured.
Findings
- The loss of power in the right engine necessitated an immediate change in flight plan.
- The inability to maintain altitude for the full distance to the destination airport led to the decision to land on Perico Island.