Aircraft disappearance near Mount de la Muerte, Costa Rica

4 fatalities • Mt de la Muerte, Costa Rica • Flight

A four-engine aircraft traveling from Honduras to Panama crashed into a mountainside in Costa Rica, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a flight originating from Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport with a destination of Howard AFB in Panama City, a four-engine airplane disappeared while navigating through areas of restricted visibility. The aircraft impacted the slope of Mt de la Muerte, situated approximately 54 km southeast of San José, Costa Rica.

Following the failure of the flight to reach its intended destination, search and rescue operations were launched. These efforts continued for several days but were ultimately terminated when no evidence of the wreckage or the four crew members could be located. It was not until 16 May 1975 that the debris from the crash was discovered in a remote, mountainous region.

Findings

Investigations into the disappearance concluded that the accident occurred due to controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft impacted the mountain slope during a controlled flight into terrain while operating in limited visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-11-29 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Mt de la Muerte, Costa Rica?

A four-engine aircraft traveling from Honduras to Panama crashed into a mountainside in Costa Rica, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-11-29 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-11-29 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration 799, operated by Honduran Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Hondureña, at Mt de la Muerte, Costa Rica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft impacted the mountain slope during a controlled flight into terrain while operating in limited visibility.

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