Runway excursion at Bocas del Toro-Capitán José Ezequiel Hall Airport

No fatalities • Bocas del Toro, Panama • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Panama City veered off the runway during landing at Bocas del Toro, resulting in the destruction of the plane and one serious injury.

What happened

On a scheduled flight from Panama City-Marcos A. Gelabert Airport to Bocas del Toro-Capitán José Ezequiel Hall Airport, an aircraft carrying 32 passengers and three crew members experienced a runway excursion. Approximately ten minutes before the scheduled arrival, the flight crew received updates regarding the weather at the destination, noting moderate rainfall and a wet runway surface.

During the final stages of the approach, the co-pilot confirmed that runway 27 was visible, and the flight was cleared for landing. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to deviate toward the right side of the runway. The plane subsequently exited the paved surface and entered a patch of soft, grassy terrain. As a result of the excursion, the landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft struck a concrete wall, which caused the right wing to be severed from the fuselage. The aircraft slid a short distance before coming to a stop 13 meters to the right of the runway and 720 meters from the runway threshold.

Findings

All 38 occupants were successfully rescued from the wreckage. While most individuals escaped without significant harm, one crew member sustained serious injuries. The aircraft type was destroyed during the collision and subsequent excursion onto the soft ground.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway and entered soft ground following touchdown on a wet surface, leading to landing gear failure and a collision with a wall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-05-16 Fokker 50 accident near Bocas del Toro, Panama?

An aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Panama City veered off the runway during landing at Bocas del Toro, resulting in the destruction of the plane and one serious injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 2025-05-16 Fokker 50 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-05-16 involved a Fokker 50, registration HP-1899PST, operated by Air Panama, at Bocas del Toro, Panama.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway and entered soft ground following touchdown on a wet surface, leading to landing gear failure and a collision with a wall.

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