5 fatalities

1990-12-04: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (FAS124) — Salvadorian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Salvadoreña — Chalate, Salvador

Chalate, SalvadorFlight

On December 4, 1990, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration FAS124) operated by Salvadorian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Salvadoreña was involved in an aviation accident near Chalate, Salvador in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was shot down by a SAM-14 missile while in flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781212385Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was struck by a SAM-14 missile while maintaining cruising altitude, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and a fatal crash in a field. All five people on board perished.

What happened

During the cruise phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic event when it was struck by a surface-to-air missile. The impact caused immediate loss of control, leading to an uncontrolled descent toward the ground. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a field.

Findings

The incident resulted in the fatalities of all five occupants on board. Official investigations concluded that the primary cause was the aircraft being shot down by a SAM-14 missile. This direct hit during the cruise segment left no opportunity for recovery or emergency landing procedures.

Probable cause

The aircraft was shot down by a SAM-14 missile while in flight.