On December 6, 2002, an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante (registration CU-T1110) operated by Aerotaxi (Cuba) was involved in an aviation accident near Havana-José Martí (Rancho Boyeros), Cuba during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the ground due to a low descent during an approach in heavy rain and restricted visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed during its final approach to Havana-José Marti-Rancho Boyeros Airport following an encounter with heavy rain and low visibility.
What happened
During a nighttime approach to Havana-José Marti-Rancho Boyeros Airport, the crew encountered severe weather characterized by heavy rainfall. As the aircraft proceeded on its final approach, the visibility became significantly restricted due to the weather conditions. During this phase of flight, the aircraft descended below the safe altitude and struck the ground in a wasteland area situated less than one kilometer from the runway threshold.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. While there were no fatalities, all 10 occupants sustained injuries during the accident.
Findings
The flight was operating under poor weather conditions involving heavy rain.
Limited visibility contributed to the aircraft descending too low during the approach.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck the ground due to a low descent during an approach in heavy rain and restricted visibility.