10 fatalities

Fatal aircraft collision near Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport (HR-AKZ)

Tegucigalpa, HondurasLanding (descent or approach)

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).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

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.