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Aircraft Crash into Sea During Final Approach to Útila Airport (HR-ALH)

Útila, HondurasLanding (descent or approach)

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 was blinded by the low sun position and failed to realize his altitude was insufficient. 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.

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

An aircraft struck the water surface and crashed in the sea about 50 meters offshore and less than 300 meters short of runway 25 threshold at Útila Airport. All 20 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview During final approach to Útila Airport runway 25, the crew was blinded by the low sun position and failed to realize his altitude was insufficient. The aircraft struck the water surface and crashed in the sea about 50 meters offshore and less than 300 meters short of runway 25 threshold. All 20 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. ## Contributing Factors The low sun position blinded the crew, preventing them from recognizing that their altitude was insufficient for a safe landing. This led to the aircraft striking the water surface before reaching the runway threshold. ## Outcome All 20 occupants were evacuated safely from the aircraft. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair as a result of the crash into the sea.

Probable cause

The crew was blinded by the low sun position and failed to realize his altitude was insufficient.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 1990 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Útila, Honduras?

An aircraft struck the water surface and crashed in the sea about 50 meters offshore and less than 300 meters short of runway 25 threshold at Útila Airport. All 20 occupants were evacuated safely while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Apr 1990 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 4 Apr 1990 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration HR-ALH, operated by Isleña Airlines - Isleña de Inversiones, at Útila, Honduras.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew was blinded by the low sun position and failed to realize his altitude was insufficient.

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