Overview
On a morning flight over Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, a twin-engine aircraft operated by the Ministry of National Security experienced a catastrophic engine failure. The aircraft was conducting an aerial survey of Tortuguero National Park when the incident occurred.
Incident Details
The flight departed San José-Juan Santamaria Airport at 0710 local time with six people on board: two pilots, a Park Officer, and three photographers. While cruising over the sea off the town of Parismina, the engine suddenly exploded. The crew determined they could not reach the nearest airport and instead executed a controlled ditching approximately 500 meters offshore.
Aftermath
All six occupants evacuated the aircraft and swam to shore. The aircraft subsequently sank and was lost. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Official Findings
The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident was an engine explosion for unknown reasons.