On April 4, 1990, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration HR-ALH) operated by Isleña Airlines - Isleña de Inversiones was involved in an aviation accident near Útila, Honduras during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to maintain adequate altitude due to being blinded by the sun during the final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into the sea short of the runway threshold at Útila Airport after the crew lost situational awareness during final approach.
What happened
During the final approach to runway 25 at Útila Airport, the aircraft encountered difficult visibility conditions caused by the low position of the sun. This lighting condition obscured the crew's view, leading to a failure to recognize that the plane was at an insufficient altitude. As a result, the aircraft impacted the water surface approximately 50 meters away from the shore and roughly 300 meters before reaching the runway threshold.
Despite the impact, all 20 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage without injury. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
The crew experienced significant visual impairment due to the low sun position during the approach phase.
This solar glare prevented the crew from maintaining the necessary altitude for a safe landing.
Probable cause
The crew failed to maintain adequate altitude due to being blinded by the sun during the final approach.