On June 30, 1966, a Douglas DC-6 (registration HR-TNG) operated by TAN Airlines - Transportes Aéreos Nacionales de Honduras was involved in an aviation accident near Tegucigalpa, Honduras during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Strong NNE winds during the landing phase led to a loss of control and runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a loss of control during landing at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent fire.
What happened
During an approach to Tegucaglia-Toncontin Airport, the aircraft encountered significant NNE winds. Upon making contact with runway 01, the plane experienced a loss of directional control. This led to the aircraft veering off the paved surface and exiting the runway area.
As the vehicle left the runway, the landing gear was torn from the airframe. The aircraft eventually came to a stop within a drainage ditch, where it was consumed by flames. Despite the intensity of the fire, all three crew members managed to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
The incident occurred during the landing phase under conditions involving strong NNE winds.
Probable cause
Strong NNE winds during the landing phase led to a loss of control and runway excursion.