On December 16, 2005, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration TI-AZQ) operated by NatureAir was involved in an aviation accident near Tamarindo, Costa Rica during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a loss of control on short final following the combination of the following factors: - An elevator cable probably broke away due to a progressive wear combined with a damaged pulley, - The proximity of the terrain, - The… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft on approach to Tamarindo Airport lost control at about 500 feet, crashing in a wooded area 2 km short of runway 07. All eight occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed.
Flight History
The aircraft departed from San José-Tobías Bolaños Airport for an uneventful flight to Tamarindo Airport. The crew initiated the descent for runway 07.
Accident
On short final, at a height of approximately 500 feet, control of the aircraft was lost. The aircraft crashed in a wooded area located 2 km short of the runway. All eight occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident resulted from a loss of control on short final due to a combination of factors:
An elevator cable probably broke away due to progressive wear combined with a damaged pulley.
The proximity of the terrain.
The low speed of the aircraft.
The lack of crew training in such a situation.
The loss of control occurred at a critical phase of the flight, initially caused by a mechanical failure and later by human factors.