5 fatalities

Night Go-Around Crash Kills Five at Ponce-Mercedita Airport (N554PR)

Ponce, Puerto RicoLanding (descent or approach)

On June 24, 1972, a De Havilland DH.114 Heron (registration N554PR) operated by Prinair - Puerto Rico International Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Ponce, Puerto Rico during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during a go-around from a landing attempt. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night approach to Ponce-Mercedita Airport, the crew initiated a go-around but lost control. The aircraft overrotated, crashed 2,200 feet past the runway 29 threshold and 260 feet south, killing five and injuring others.

Accident Overview

On a night approach to Ponce-Mercedita Airport, the flight crew decided to execute a go-around. During the maneuver, control of the aircraft was lost. The airplane overrotated and subsequently crashed 2,200 feet beyond the threshold of runway 29 and 260 feet to the south of the runway centerline.

Occupant Injuries and Aircraft Damage

Both pilots and three passengers were killed in the accident. The remaining occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during a go-around from a landing attempt. Control was lost when the aircraft was overrotated at too low an airspeed to sustain flight. The crew's reasons for rejecting the landing are not known.

Frequently asked questions

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

During a night approach to Ponce-Mercedita Airport, the crew initiated a go-around but lost control. The aircraft overrotated, crashed 2,200 feet past the runway 29 threshold and 260 feet south, killing five and injuring others.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jun 1972 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 24 Jun 1972 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 National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during a go-around from a landing attempt. Control was lost when the aircraft was overrotated at too low an airspeed to sustain flight. The crew’s reasons for rejecting the landing are not…