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3 fatalities

1986-10-05: Fairchild C-123 Provider (HPF821) — Corporate Air Services — San Carlos, Nicaragua

San Carlos, NicaraguaFlight

On October 5, 1986, a Fairchild C-123 Provider (registration HPF821) operated by Corporate Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near San Carlos, Nicaragua in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Shot down by a surface-to-air SAM-7 missile. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781217048Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft delivering military supplies to the Contras was shot down by a Sandinista SAM-7 missile near San Carlos, Nicaragua. Three crew members were killed; one parachuted and was captured.

Flight and Mission

The aircraft departed from San Salvador-Ilopango Airport on a mission to deliver military supplies to the Contras in Nicaragua. The cargo included 70 AK-47 rifles, approximately 100,000 rounds of ammunition, rockets, and grenades.

Incident

While approaching San Carlos after flying along the coast, the crew descended to an altitude of 2,500 feet and was preparing to jettison the cargo. At that moment, the aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air SAM-7 missile fired by Sandinista forces. The missile strike caused the aircraft to lose altitude and crash.

Aftermath

Three of the four crew members were killed in the crash. The fourth crew member parachuted from the aircraft and landed safely, but was subsequently captured by the Sandinista National Liberation Front.

Probable cause

Shot down by a surface-to-air SAM-7 missile.

Related events

Same operator

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