Aircraft damage following aerial attack near El Poy

No fatalities • San Salvador-Ilopango, Salvador • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft sustained significant damage after being targeted by a Honduran Air Force fighter during flight over the El Poy region.

What happened

During a flight passing through the area of El Poy, an unidentified aircraft was subjected to an aerial attack. The strike was carried out by a pilot operating an F4U-4 Corsair belonging to the Honduran Air Force. Following the engagement, the crew managed to navigate the aircraft back toward San Salvador-Ilopango Airport.

Upon reaching the airfield, the plane attempted a landing; however, during the touchdown phase, the aircraft became uncontrollable. The flight ended with the plane coming to a stop near the runway. While the incident resulted in the total loss of the airframe, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the damage and subsequent loss of control was that the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft was struck by gunfire from a Honduran Air Force Corsair fighter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-07-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near San Salvador-Ilopango, Salvador?

An aircraft sustained significant damage after being targeted by a Honduran Air Force fighter during flight over the El Poy region.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-07-15 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-07-15 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration FAS101, operated by Salvadorian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Salvadoreña, at San Salvador-Ilopango, Salvador.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was struck by gunfire from a Honduran Air Force Corsair fighter.

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