No fatalities

Collision Avoidance Incident Involving Piper TI-281 at Palma Sur Airport (TI-1024C)

Palma Sur, Costa RicaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 8, 1960, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration TI-1024C) operated by Lineas Aéreas Costarricenses - LACSA was involved in an aviation accident near Palma Sur, Costa Rica during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A crew veered off the runway at Palma Sur Airport to avoid a private Piper (TI-281) that had entered the active strip. The maneuver resulted in a collision with trees, causing injuries to both pilots and total loss of the aircraft.

Incident Overview

An aviation safety incident occurred following the landing phase at Palma Sur Airport. During the rollout after touchdown, the flight crew observed a private Piper aircraft, registered as TI-281, turning onto the runway. This unexpected presence on the active runway created an immediate collision risk.

Emergency Maneuver and Outcome

To mitigate the threat of a mid-air or ground collision with the intruding aircraft, the crew executed an emergency veer to the right, departing the paved runway surface. This evasive action caused the airplane to collide with trees in the surrounding area before coming to a complete stop.

Casualties and Damage Assessment

The impact resulted in injuries to both pilots on board. The structural integrity of the aircraft was compromised significantly during the collision with the vegetation. Consequently, the airframe sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair, resulting in a total loss of the asset.