No fatalities

Engine failure leads to ditching near Taboga Island (HP-659)

Taboga Island, PanamaFlight

On January 28, 1985, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration HP-659) operated by Aviones de Panama was involved in an aviation accident near Taboga Island, Panama in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed during flight for reasons that remain undetermined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine malfunction during flight, resulting in a controlled ditching in the ocean approximately 22 km from Taboga Island.

What happened

During the flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving one of its engines. Following the loss of power, the pilot initiated a descent to a lower altitude. The flight ended when the aircraft was ditched in the water at a location roughly 22 km away from Taboga Island.

All four people on board were successfully recovered during the rescue operation. However, the aircraft subsequently sank into the sea and remains lost.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified that the primary factor was an engine failure occurring while the aircraft was in flight. The specific underlying reason for this mechanical malfunction has not been determined.

Probable cause

The engine failed during flight for reasons that remain undetermined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jan 1985 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Taboga Island, Panama?

An aircraft experienced an engine malfunction during flight, resulting in a controlled ditching in the ocean approximately 22 km from Taboga Island.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jan 1985 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jan 1985 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration HP-659, operated by Aviones de Panama, at Taboga Island, Panama.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed during flight for reasons that remain undetermined.