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 reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data 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.