Fatal training flight accident near La Fuente

3 fatalities • San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area during a local training mission, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.

What happened

During a scheduled local training session, a twin-engine airplane was conducting maneuvers under the supervision of an instructor and a representative from the Civil Aviation Authority. The flight included one student pilot and two experienced crew members.

Shortly after departing from runway 07, the aircraft entered a climb phase. During this ascent, the plane became uncontrollable and descended into a forested region situated approximately 2 km northeast of the airfield, in the vicinity of the La Fuente farm. The impact with the terrain caused an immediate fire that consumed the airframe.

All three people on board, including the pilot, the instructor, and the official observer, were killed in the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the forces of the crash and the subsequent fire.

Findings

No specific technical malfunctions or environmental factors were detailed regarding why the aircraft lost control during the initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1976-01-13 Cessna 402 accident near San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area during a local training mission, resulting in the deaths of all three occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1976-01-13 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1976-01-13 involved a Cessna 402, registration TI-AVE, operated by Aerovias del Valle, at San José-Juan Santamaría, Costa Rica.

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