Accident Details
On a humanitarian mission from Miami to Managua with an intermediate stop in San Juan, a four-engine aircraft departed Runway 08 at 1920 local time. The flight carried three crew members and two passengers, among them the famous American baseball player Roberto Clemente, aged 38. The cargo consisted of various goods intended for victims of the recent earthquake in Nicaragua.
After rotation, the crew was instructed to turn left in accordance with departure procedures. Three minutes after takeoff, while in initial climb at night, the aircraft suffered various technical problems. It lost height, stalled, and crashed into the sea a few hundred meters offshore. Some debris was found floating on the water. All five occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the loss of control was caused by the failure of engine number 2 and a loss of power on engine number 3. The failure of engine number 2 was attributed to engine structure problems involving master and connecting rods, cylinder assembly, and piston rings.
Investigations also found that the aircraft was not properly maintained and inspected in accordance with the rules in force. Additionally, the flight engineer was not qualified for this type of aircraft.
The following factors were reported:
- The aircraft was overloaded by 4,193 pounds (1,902 kg)
- Improperly loaded aircraft
- Powerplant structure issues
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection
- Deficiency in the company maintenance program, violating services regulation
- Previous damages