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Fatal Crash of Twin-Engine Aircraft on Approach to Rio Sidra (HP-986PS)

Rio Sidra, PanamaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 31, 1997, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration HP-986PS) operated by PARSA was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Sidra, Panama during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed 6.5 km short of the runway at Rio Sidra after departing Panama City, killing all 10 occupants, including four U.S. citizens, in poor visibility.

Incident Overview and Flight Details A twin-engine aircraft departed from Panama City-Marcos A. Gelabert Airport at 0643 local time, bound for Rio Sidra. The flight carried a total of 10 people: one pilot and nine passengers. ## Approach and Impact During the approach to Rio Sidra, the pilot reported encountering poor visibility caused by foggy conditions. On final approach, the aircraft struck the ground 6.5 km short of the runway. The crash occurred 62 minutes after the aircraft's departure. ## Casualties and Damage The aircraft was totally destroyed in the accident. All 10 occupants on board were killed. Among the fatalities were four U.S. citizens.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 1997 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Rio Sidra, Panama?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed 6.5 km short of the runway at Rio Sidra after departing Panama City, killing all 10 occupants, including four U.S. citizens, in poor visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 1997 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 1997 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration HP-986PS, operated by PARSA, at Rio Sidra, Panama.

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