Fatal aircraft crash near Rio Sidra, Panama

10 fatalities • Rio Sidra, Panama • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway at Rio Sidra, resulting in the deaths of all ten people on board.

What happened

On a flight departing from Panama City-Marost A. Gelabert Airport at 06:43 local time, a twin engine aircraft was en route to Rio Sidra. The flight was operated with one pilot and nine passengers on board. As the aircraft approached its destination, the crew encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by fog.

During the final approach phase, the aircraft impacted the terrain approximately 6.5 km before reaching the runway. The accident occurred 62 minutes after the initial takeoff. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused 10 fatalities, including four passengers who were citizens of the United States.

Findings

  • The flight encountered foggy conditions during the approach phase.
  • Visibility was severely degraded at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during an approach conducted in poor visibility caused by fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-12-31 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Rio Sidra, Panama?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway at Rio Sidra, resulting in the deaths of all ten people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-12-31 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-12-31 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration HP-986PS, operated by PARSA, at Rio Sidra, Panama.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway during an approach conducted in poor visibility caused by fog.

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