3 fatalities

Cargo Flight Crashes into Mountain near San Andrés Aerodrome after Missed Landing (XH-TAR)

San Andrés, HondurasLanding (descent or approach)

On September 8, 1953, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration XH-TAR) operated by TACA International Airlines - Transportes Aéreos Centro Americanos was involved in an aviation accident near San Andrés, Honduras during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine when the pilot wished to obtain maximum power from both engines after a missed landing. 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 1781252922Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from San Pedro Sula crashed into a mountain near San Andrés Aerodrome after a missed landing. The three crew members were killed and the aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Accident

A cargo flight operating as an extra service from San Pedro Sula Airport to the San Andrés Mine took off at 1242 local time. The load was properly distributed and the center of gravity was within authorized limits during takeoff. The flight's destination was San Andrés Aerodrome. At 1316, after the first and only landing attempt, the aircraft struck a mountain about five kilometers from the aerodrome. A fire broke out on impact, completely destroying the aircraft and its cargo. All three crew members, who were the only persons aboard, were killed.

Investigation

Investigators examined the event and determined the sequence leading to the crash. The aircraft had executed a missed landing approach. When the pilot attempted to obtain maximum power from both engines to go around, the right engine failed. This engine failure precipitated the loss of control and the aircraft's collision with terrain.

Probable Cause

Failure of the right engine when the pilot wished to obtain maximum power from both engines after a missed landing.