Incident Overview
A four-engine aircraft operating a supply mission to Contra rebels in Nicaragua was shot down by two surface-to-air missiles. The aircraft had departed Swan Island Airport (Islas del Cisne), located off the coast of Honduras, carrying a cargo of weapons, ammunition, clothing, and food, along with 10 people on board.
Sequence of Events
The flight proceeded normally until after the crew had dropped 11 pallets of supplies. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile that hit one of the engines on the right side. Despite the damage, the aircraft continued flying for approximately 30 kilometers before a second surface-to-air missile struck it. Following the second impact, the aircraft crashed four minutes later.
Casualties
Of the 10 occupants, nine were killed and one was injured.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be that the aircraft was shot down by two surface-to-air missiles.