On October 3, 1983, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Blanco, Nicaragua in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a surface-to-air missile. 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.
A U.S.-registered Douglas C-47 engaged in a supply operation for a rebel group was hit by a surface-to-air missile, forcing a landing; the co-pilot later died.
Incident
A U.S.-registered Douglas C-47 transport plane was conducting a military mission to supply a right-wing rebel group opposing Nicaragua's Sandinista government. The aircraft was flying at low altitude near Wanawás to drop supplies. While maneuvering in the area, a soldier from the Sandinista Popular Army launched a portable Strela-2M missile (SA-7). The missile struck the left-hand engine but failed to detonate. The impact caused the cabin to fill with smoke, compelling the pilot to execute a forced landing.
Aftermath
The crew initially survived the landing. However, the co-pilot succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident on 26 October 1983.
What happened in the 3 Oct 1983 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Rio Blanco, Nicaragua?
A U.S.-registered Douglas C-47 engaged in a supply operation for a rebel group was hit by a surface-to-air missile, forcing a landing; the co-pilot later died.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Oct 1983 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Oct 1983 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), operated by Private United States of America, at Rio Blanco, Nicaragua.
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