Aircraft crash near San Isidro during return to Ciudad del Este

1 fatality • Ciudad del Este-Guaraní, Paraguay • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine cargo flight crashed near San Isidro, Paraguay, after the crew attempted an emergency return to the airport following engine issues.

What happened

A cargo flight operating from Ciudad del Este-Guaraní Airport departed from Runway 05 at 15:23 local time, bound for Asunción. The aircraft, a twin engine airplane, was transporting high-value items and was occupied by two pilots and two security personnel from Prosegur.

Approximately 12 minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was cruising at 6,400 feet with a speed of 150 knots, the crew identified mechanical issues involving the engines. In response to these problems, the flight crew initiated an emergency return to the departure airport.

During the approach from the western side of the airfield, the aircraft lost altitude and struck trees in the vicinity of San Isidro. The impact occurred roughly 1,500 meters west of the airport's main terminal. The crash resulted in one fatality and three serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact.

Findings

  • The crew encountered engine problems during the cruise phase of the flight.
  • The loss of altitude during the approach led to the collision with vegetation.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost altitude and struck trees during an emergency return following the development of engine malfunctions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2026-04-18 Cessna 402 accident near Ciudad del Este-Guaraní, Paraguay?

A twin-engine cargo flight crashed near San Isidro, Paraguay, after the crew attempted an emergency return to the airport following engine issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 2026-04-18 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2026-04-18 involved a Cessna 402, registration ZP-BEE, operated by Aerotax, at Ciudad del Este-Guaraní, Paraguay.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost altitude and struck trees during an emergency return following the development of engine malfunctions.

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