Ford 5 accident at Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 29 Nov 1944 (XH-TAN)
On November 29, 1944, a Ford 5 (registration XH-TAN) operated by TACA International Airlines - Transportes Aéreos Centro Americanos was involved in an aviation accident near Tegucigalpa, Honduras during takeoff. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It appears the loss of the right wing was caused by a structural failure due to excessive vibrations accumulated during operations on difficult and rough terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
It appears the loss of the right wing was caused by a structural failure due to excessive vibrations accumulated during operations on difficult and rough terrain.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
Shortly after lift off, while in initial climb, the right wing failed. The aircraft went out of control and crashed in a huge explosion. All 16 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): It appears the loss of the right wing was caused by a structural failure due to excessive vibrations accumulated during operations on difficult and rough terrain.