31 fatalities

1980-02-28: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) — Guatemalan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca — Poptún, Guatemala

Poptún, GuatemalaFlight

On February 28, 1980, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) operated by Guatemalan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca was involved in an aviation accident near Poptún, Guatemala in flight. 31 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781224227Data APIEditorial standards

A flight traveling from Guatemala City to Poptún crashed in a mountainous region, resulting in the deaths of all 31 people on board.

What happened

A flight departing from Guatemala City Airport crashed in a mountainous area situated approximately 65 km south of Poptún. The aircraft was transporting a total of 31 individuals, consisting of four crew members and 27 passengers. The passenger manifest included military officers and their families, who were traveling to visit Maya archaeological sites.

During the flight, the aircraft encountered an accident in an area characterized by rugged terrain. There were no survivors of the impact, as all 31 fatalities were recorded among the occupants. The specific details regarding the flight's progression prior to the crash remain unconfirmed.

Findings

The exact circumstances surrounding the descent and subsequent impact are currently unknown. No official determination has been released regarding why the aircraft entered the mountainous region where the wreckage was located.