Night approach accident at Ponce-Mercedita Airport

5 fatalities • Ponce, Puerto Rico • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight attempting a night approach to Ponce-Mercedita Airport crashed during a go-around procedure, resulting in five fatalities.

What happened

During a nighttime approach toward the runway 29 threshold at Ponce-Mercedita Airport, the flight crew initiated a go-around maneuver. During this transition, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control. The plane subsequently overrotated and impacted the ground approximately 2,200 feet beyond the runway threshold and 260 feet to the south of the centerline.

The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. Of the people on board, five fatalities were recorded, including both pilots and three passengers. Other individuals on the aircraft sustained injuries during the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the loss of control while performing the go-around. The aircraft overrotated because it was flying at an airspeed too low to maintain stable flight. While the crew's specific decision to abort the landing attempt remains undetermined, the inability to sustain flight during the maneuver led directly to the loss of control.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of directional control due to the aircraft overrotating at an insufficient airspeed during a go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-06-24 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident near Ponce, Puerto Rico?

A flight attempting a night approach to Ponce-Mercedita Airport crashed during a go-around procedure, resulting in five fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-06-24 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-06-24 involved a De Havilland DH.114 Heron, registration N554PR, operated by Prinair - Puerto Rico International Airlines, at Ponce, Puerto Rico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of directional control due to the aircraft overrotating at an insufficient airspeed during a go-around.

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