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2 fatalities

Aircraft Crash at Cobán Airport (TG-JAK)

Cobán, GuatemalaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 16, 1996, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration TG-JAK) operated by Avcom - Aviones Comerciales de Guatemala was involved in an aviation accident near Cobán, Guatemala during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the descent below the MDA in IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A positioning flight from Guatemala City crashed in a wooded area 7.2 km short of Cobán Airport's runway after striking trees in foggy conditions, killing both pilots.

Incident Overview On a positioning flight from Guatemala City, an aircraft attempted an approach to Cobán Airport under poor weather conditions characterized by limited visibility due to fog. ## Crash Details The aircraft descended too low and struck trees, crashing in a wooded area located 7.2 km short of the runway. Both pilots on board were killed in the accident. ## Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause was controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the descent below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 1996 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Cobán, Guatemala?

A positioning flight from Guatemala City crashed in a wooded area 7.2 km short of Cobán Airport's runway after striking trees in foggy conditions, killing both pilots.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 1996 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1996 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration TG-JAK, operated by Avcom - Aviones Comerciales de Guatemala, at Cobán, Guatemala.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the descent below the MDA in IMC conditions.

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