Accident Overview
On December 20, 2000, about 1045 mountain standard time, a Cessna 402B, registration N908AB, crashed while executing a forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Nosara, Costa Rica. The aircraft was operated by TS Aviation as a Costa Rican air taxi flight from Nosara to San Jose, Costa Rica, and was registered to Pitts Aviation, Inc. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Sequence of Events
According to civil aviation authorities, the flight experienced a loss of power in one engine during the initial climb after takeoff. The aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and subsequently collided with trees. A post-crash fire erupted.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, while five passengers received minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident and subsequent fire.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be an engine failure for unknown reasons.