On November 27, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration RX-76) operated by Lineas Aéreas Costarricenses - LACSA was involved in an aviation accident near San José, Costa Rica during landing or approach. 23 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during final approach, causing it to strike the hillside slope short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft struck a hillside slope during final approach to San José Airport, resulting in the destruction of the airframe and the deaths of all 23 people on board.
What happened
During the final approach phase toward San José Airport, the aircraft descended at an altitude that was insufficient for safe clearance. The airframe impacted the slope of a hill located a few kilometers short of the runway threshold. This collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. All 23 occupants aboard, including the pilot and co-pilot, were killed in the incident.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the aircraft being too low during its final approach. The terrain profile required a higher descent path than what was maintained by the crew, leading to the controlled flight into terrain.
Probable cause
The aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during final approach, causing it to strike the hillside slope short of the runway.
What happened in the 27 Nov 1946 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near San José, Costa Rica?
An aircraft struck a hillside slope during final approach to San José Airport, resulting in the destruction of the airframe and the deaths of all 23 people on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Nov 1946 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 23 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Nov 1946 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration RX-76, operated by Lineas Aéreas Costarricenses - LACSA, at San José, Costa Rica.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during final approach, causing it to strike the hillside slope short of the runway.
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