Aircraft shot down over Nicaragua during survey flight

8 fatalities • Jinotega, Nicaragua • Flight

An aircraft conducting a survey mission was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile while flying at low altitude over Nicaragua.

What happened

A survey mission operating out of Catacamas-El Aguacate Airport ended in tragedy when the aircraft was intercepted during its flight path over Nicaragua. While the plane was maintaining a low altitude, it was struck by a SAM-7 surface-to-air missile. The projectile was launched by members of the Sandinista Popular Army stationed on the ground.

The impact caused the aircraft to crash, resulting in the deaths of all eight individuals on board. There were no survivors from the incident.

Findings

Investigations into the destruction of the aircraft concluded that the primary reason for the crash was that the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired from the ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile launched by military forces.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1984-08-27 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Jinotega, Nicaragua?

An aircraft conducting a survey mission was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile while flying at low altitude over Nicaragua.

Were there any fatalities in the 1984-08-27 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-08-27 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), at Jinotega, Nicaragua.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile launched by military forces.

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