On January 31, 1988, a Casa 212 Aviocar (registration FAP-215) operated by Panamanian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Panameña was involved in an aviation accident near Panama, Panama in flight. 16 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.
An aircraft flying from Panama City to a remote airstrip in Darién Province struck a mountain slope after weather deteriorated, killing all 16 occupants. The wreckage was found two weeks later.
Accident Details
The aircraft departed from Panama City–Tocumen International Airport bound for a remote airstrip located in Darién Province near the border with Colombia. On board were two pilots and 14 passengers, comprising both civilians and military personnel. While flying over Darién Province, weather conditions deteriorated. The aircraft later struck the slope of a mountain.
Search and Recovery
After the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, search and rescue operations were initiated. The wreckage was located approximately two weeks after the accident.
Victims
All 16 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the crash.