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Crew Loses Contact During VFR Descent; Wreckage Found on Mountain Slope (HP-1267APP)

Carreto, PanamaFlight

On March 17, 2000, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration HP-1267APP) operated by Aeroperlas was involved in an aviation accident near Carreto, Panama in flight. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Unknown. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While descending at 7,500 feet in good weather, a crew informed ATC before losing contact. Wreckage was found five days later on a mountain slope near Carreto, about 22 km northwest of Puerto Obaldía Airport. All 10 occupants were killed. The accident occurred for unknown reasons.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was descending at an altitude of 7,500 feet under visual flight rules (VFR) in relatively good weather conditions. The crew reported their position to air traffic control (ATC) before contact was lost.

Wreckage Discovery

The wreckage was located five days after the loss of contact. It was found at an altitude of 762 meters on the slope of a mountain that reaches 850 meters in height. The site is situated near Carreto, approximately 22 kilometers northwest of Puerto Obaldía Airport.

Occupants

All 10 occupants on board were killed.

Investigation

The aircraft was descending under VFR mode when the accident occurred. The cause of the accident remains unknown.

Probable cause

Unknown

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Mar 2000 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Carreto, Panama?

While descending at 7,500 feet in good weather, a crew informed ATC before losing contact. Wreckage was found five days later on a mountain slope near Carreto, about 22 km northwest of Puerto Obaldía Airport. All 10 occupants were killed. The accident occurred for unknown reasons.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Mar 2000 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Mar 2000 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration HP-1267APP, operated by Aeroperlas, at Carreto, Panama.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Unknown

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