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Douglas C-47 Forced Landing After Missile Strike in Nicaragua

Rio Blanco, NicaraguaFlight

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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Probable cause

Shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

Related events

Same operator

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