12 fatalities

Fatal aircraft accident near Flores-Santa Elena Airport

Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), GuatemalaTakeoff (climb)

On May 28, 1987, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) operated by Guatemalan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca was involved in an aviation accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala during takeoff. 12 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into Lake Petén Itzá shortly after departing from Flores-Santa Elena Airport, resulting in the deaths of all on board.

What happened

During a recent flight departing from Flores-Santa Elena Airport, an aircraft experienced a loss of control during its initial climb. The plane departed from its intended flight path and descended into the waters along the shoreline of Lake Petén Itzá.

There were 12 fatalities recorded in the accident, as all individuals on board the aircraft perished during the impact.

Findings

Information regarding the specific mechanical or operational reasons for the loss of control remains under investigation; however, it is confirmed that the incident occurred during the climb phase of flight immediately following takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 May 1987 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala?

An aircraft crashed into Lake Petén Itzá shortly after departing from Flores-Santa Elena Airport, resulting in the deaths of all on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 May 1987 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 May 1987 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Guatemalan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca, at Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala.