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Aircraft Crashes Near Tamarindo Airport After Loss of Control on Short Final (TI-AZQ)

Tamarindo, Costa RicaLanding (descent or approach)

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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 2005 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Tamarindo, Costa Rica?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 2005 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 2005 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration TI-AZQ, operated by NatureAir, at Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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 low speed of the aircraft, - The lack of crew training in…

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