What happened
Following departure from Howard Air Force Base in Panama City, the aircraft experienced mechanical issues. In response to these technical complications, the pilot decided to abort the initial flight path and perform a 180-degree turn to return to the airfield for an emergency landing.
During this maneuvering phase, the pilot lost control of the aircraft type/model (not specified in source). The plane subsequently impacted the waters of the Panama Canal near the Balboa district. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused the deaths of all six fatalities on board.
Findings
- The flight was interrupted by technical malfunctions encountered shortly after takeoff.
- A loss of control occurred while the crew was attempting to reposition the plane for a safe landing.