7 fatalities

Cargo Flight to Nicaragua Crashes Near Ciudad Quesada, Killing Seven (N62WS)

Ciudad Quesada, Costa RicaFlight

On March 24, 1984, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N62WS) operated by Central Intelligence Agency - CIA was involved in an aviation accident near Ciudad Quesada, Costa Rica in flight. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

An aircraft flying from the US to Nicaragua with seven people and weapons for the Contras crashed in a mountainous area near Ciudad Quesada, killing all occupants. The plane bore an incorrect registration.

Accident Overview

An aircraft en route from the United States to Nicaragua crashed under unknown circumstances in a mountainous region near Ciudad Quesada. The flight was carrying seven occupants and a cargo of weapons and ammunition intended for the Contras in Nicaragua. All seven individuals on board were killed in the accident.

Occupants and Cargo

The aircraft had seven people on board. The cargo consisted of weapons and ammunition destined for the Contra forces in Nicaragua. No further details about the identities or roles of the occupants were provided in the investigation source.

Registration Discrepancy

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was displaying the registration CF-ETE, which was incorrect. The correct registration assigned to the aircraft was N62WS. The reason for the use of the false registration was not disclosed.

Investigation

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown. The accident occurred in a mountainous area, but no specific cause was determined. The investigation did not provide any findings regarding weather, mechanical issues, or human factors.