No fatalities

1976-05-02: Douglas DC-6 (YS-35C) — TACA International Airlines - Transportes Aéreos Centro Americanos — Rubelsanto, Guatemala

Rubelsanto, GuatemalaLanding (descent or approach)

On May 2, 1976, a Douglas DC-6 (registration YS-35C) operated by TACA International Airlines - Transportes Aéreos Centro Americanos was involved in an aviation accident near Rubelsanto, Guatemala during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway due to being too low during the final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781229255Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft struck the ground short of the runway while attempting to land at Rubelsanto Airport, resulting in no injuries.

What happened

During the final approach phase toward Rubelsanto Airport, a four-engine airplane descended below the required altitude and made contact with the terrain before reaching the runway threshold. The force of the impact caused the landing gear to be ripped from the airframe, leading the aircraft to perform a belly landing on the ground.

Despite the severity of the impact, all three crew members on board were able to exit the wreckage. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported following the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft was flying at an insufficient altitude during its approach to the runway.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the ground short of the runway due to being too low during the final approach.