On May 5, 1978, a Douglas DC-6 (registration N3493F) operated by Surinam Airways - Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (SLM) was involved in an aviation accident near Paramaribo-Zanderij, Suriname during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees and crashed while attempting a landing in low-visibility conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A four-engine airplane crashed during its final approach to Paramaribo-Zanderij Airport, resulting in injuries to the entire crew.
What happened
During an approach to runway 10 at Paramaribo-Zanderij Airport, a four-engine airplane encountered significantly degraded visibility, which had dropped to approximately 200 meters. While attempting to land, the aircraft made contact with trees and subsequently crashed. The impact occurred roughly 1,800 meters before reaching the runway threshold.
As a result of the accident, the airframe was completely destroyed. There were three injuries reported among the crew members on board, but no fatalities occurred during the event.
Findings
The aircraft was operating in conditions where visibility was limited to 200 meters.
The crash sequence involved the plane striking vegetation prior to the final impact.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck trees and crashed while attempting a landing in low-visibility conditions.