6 fatalities

1991-10-11: Curtiss C-46 Commando (HK-750) — LANSA Colombia - Lineas Aéreas Nacionales — Quirigua, Guatemala

Quirigua, GuatemalaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 11, 1991, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-750) operated by LANSA Colombia - Lineas Aéreas Nacionales was involved in an aviation accident near Quirigua, Guatemala during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211621Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft falsely registered as N500 crashed near Quirigua, Guatemala, while approaching a landing strip, killing all six occupants. The crew had not filed a flight plan and entered Guatemalan airspace without authorization. The aircraft was carrying 3 tons of cocaine.

Accident Overview

An aircraft engaged in an illegal contraband flight crashed while approaching Quirigua, Guatemala. The airplane struck the ground and crashed a few hundred meters from the landing strip, bursting into flames. All six occupants—two pilots and four passengers—were killed.

Aircraft and Cargo

The aircraft was carrying a load of 3 tons of cocaine. At the time of the accident, it displayed a false registration of N500; its actual registration was HK-750.

Flight Irregularities

According to Guatemalan authorities, the crew failed to file any flight plan and entered Guatemalan airspace without permission. The flight was characterized as an illegal contraband operation.

Investigation

No further details regarding the cause of the crash have been provided by the authorities. The investigation remains under the purview of Guatemalan officials.

Aftermath

The crash site was located a short distance from the intended landing strip. Emergency responders extinguished the fire, but all occupants perished in the impact and ensuing blaze.