On December 21, 1987, a Douglas DC-6 (registration YN-BFO) operated by Aeronica - Aerolineas Nicaraguenses was involved in an aviation accident near Boca San Carlos, Costa Rica in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of the third engine and a subsequent fire in the fourth engine led to the emergency ditching. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A cargo flight traveling from Managua to Panama City was forced to ditch in a river after an engine detachment and subsequent fire.
What happened
During a scheduled cargo transport operation flying from Managua toward Panama City, the aircraft experienced a severe mechanical failure while at cruising altitude. The number three engine became detached from the airframe, and a fire subsequently developed in the number four engine.
Although the crew successfully suppressed the fire, they were unable to feather the propeller of the affected engine. In an effort to manage the weight and stability of the aircraft, the occupants jettisoned the cargo. The flight eventually concluded with a controlled ditching in the Río San Carlos, specifically near the area of Boca San Carlos.
Findings
The incident resulted in six injuries among the occupants.
The aircraft was destroyed during the water landing.
The primary mechanical failure involved the separation of the number three engine and an engine fire.
Probable cause
The loss of the third engine and a subsequent fire in the fourth engine led to the emergency ditching.