21 fatalities

1975-08-03: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (412) — Nicaraguayan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea - Ejercito de Nicaragua — Punta de Amapala, Salvador

Punta de Amapala, SalvadorFlight

On August 3, 1975, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration 412) operated by Nicaraguayan Air Force - Fuerza Aérea - Ejercito de Nicaragua was involved in an aviation accident near Punta de Amapala, Salvador in flight. 21 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control after both engines failed due to a fuel exhaustion. 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 1781229998Data APIEditorial standards

A charter flight carrying 18 Mexican actors from Veracruz to Managua crashed into the Gulf of Fonseca after a go-around and diversion due to weather. All 21 occupants died.

Accident Overview

On a charter flight from Veracruz, Mexico, to Managua, Nicaragua, with an intermediate stop in San Salvador, El Salvador, the aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Fonseca approximately 300 meters off Punta de Amapala. The flight was transporting 18 Mexican actors, and all 21 occupants on board were killed.

Flight Details

The flight was descending to San Salvador-Ilopango Airport when the crew executed a go-around due to poor weather conditions and were unable to land. The captain subsequently decided to divert to an airport located on the coast. Some minutes later, the aircraft impacted the waters of the Gulf of Fonseca.

Investigation

An official investigation into the accident was conducted. The findings focused on the events leading to the crash, including the decision to divert and the circumstances surrounding the final moments of the flight.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be a loss of control after both engines failed due to fuel exhaustion. This finding was issued by the investigating authority as the official explanation for the crash.