Aircraft crash near San Andrés Aerodrome

3 fatalities • San Andrés, Honduras • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating for the San Andrés Mine crashed into a mountain during an approach to San Andrés Aerodrome, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

A cargo mission departing from San Pedro Sula Airport was conducting an unscheduled delivery to the San Andrés Mine when the accident occurred. The flight departed at 12:42 local time with a load that had been distributed to ensure the center of gravity remained within approved operational limits for takeoff.

During the flight, the crew attempted to land at San Andrés Aerodrome. Following an initial landing attempt, the aircraft was approximately 5 kilometers from the airfield when it struck a mountain. The impact triggered a fire that led to the total destruction of both the aircraft and its cargo. There were three fatalities among the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the disaster was precipitated by an engine failure on the right side of the aircraft. This malfunction occurred specifically as the pilot attempted to apply maximum power from both engines following the aborted landing attempt.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the right engine during a go-around maneuver led to the impact with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-09-08 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near San Andrés, Honduras?

A cargo flight operating for the San Andrés Mine crashed into a mountain during an approach to San Andrés Aerodrome, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-09-08 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-09-08 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration XH-TAR, operated by TACA International Airlines - Transportes Aéreos Centro Americanos, at San Andrés, Honduras.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the right engine during a go-around maneuver led to the impact with terrain.

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