Fatal aircraft accident near Puntarenas, Costa Rica

7 fatalities • Puntarenas, Costa Rica • Flight

A post-maintenance test flight involving seven people ended in a fatal crash into the Gulf of Nicoya.

What happened

During a scheduled test flight following maintenance work, an aircraft departed from San José-Juan Santamaría Airport. The flight was operated by a crew consisting of three pilots and four technicians. While traveling en route, the aircraft experienced a loss of control.

The plane subsequently crashed into the Gulf of Nicoya, specifically in the waters off the coast of Puntarenas. Search efforts located the debris field approximately 1.2 km east of San Lucas Island. The accident resulted in seven fatalities, with no survivors among the occupants.

Findings

At this time, the specific reasons why the aircraft became uncontrollable remain unknown.

Probable cause

The cause of the loss of control during the flight remains undetermined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-05-22 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Puntarenas, Costa Rica?

A post-maintenance test flight involving seven people ended in a fatal crash into the Gulf of Nicoya.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-05-22 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-05-22 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration YV-C-AMK, operated by Linea Aeropostal Venezolana - LAV, at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the loss of control during the flight remains undetermined.

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