10 fatalities

Fatal aircraft crash near Paso Canoas Airstrip (TI-1063C)

Paso Canoas, Costa RicaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 8, 1968, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration TI-1063C) operated by Aerovias del Valle was involved in an aviation accident near Paso Canoas, Costa Rica during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control while approaching the airfield, leading to a fatal impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed into the Rio Grande de Terraba during its approach to Paso Canoas, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During an approach to the Paso Canoas Airstrip, a twin engine airplane traveling from San José experienced a loss of control. The aircraft descended into the mouth of the Rio Grande de Terraba, impacting the area approximately 7 km west of the airfield.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 10 fatalities recorded among the occupants of the plane, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating on a flight path originating from San José.
  • The accident occurred during the approach phase of flight.
  • The primary factor in the loss of control led to the impact in the riverbed area.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control while approaching the airfield, leading to a fatal impact with the ground.