On February 25, 1989, a Douglas DC-6 (registration HR-AKZ) operated by Albiacion Circulo General was involved in an aviation accident near Tegucigalpa, Honduras during landing or approach. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during the approach, leading to controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A humanitarian flight operating for USAID crashed into a mountain during its approach to Tegucigalpa, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During an approach to the Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport, an aircraft engaged in a mission for USAID struck a mountain. The impact occurred approximately 27 km away from the destination airport. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused 10 fatalities among everyone on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident indicate that the crew did not recognize that the aircraft had descended to an insufficient altitude during the approach phase. This failure to maintain proper vertical separation from terrain led to the fatal impact with the mountain.
Probable cause
The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during the approach, leading to controlled flight into terrain.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Feb 1989 Douglas DC-6 accident near Tegucigalpa, Honduras?
A humanitarian flight operating for USAID crashed into a mountain during its approach to Tegucigalpa, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 1989 Douglas DC-6 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Feb 1989 involved a Douglas DC-6, registration HR-AKZ, operated by Albiacion Circulo General, at Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during the approach, leading to controlled flight into terrain.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…