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34 fatalities

Crew Deviation in Circling Approach Leads to Collision with Mountain (CU-T1270)

Puerto Plata, Dominican RepublicLanding (descent or approach)

On November 15, 1992, an Ilyushin II-18 (registration CU-T1270) operated by Aerocaribbean was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic during landing or approach. 34 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For unknown reasons, the crew completed the last base leg turn at an excessive distance of 9 nm instead of the prescribed 4 nm. The approach was completed by night and the crew failed to see and avoid the mountain. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night circling approach to runway 08, a four-engine aircraft struck Peak Isabel de Torres, 14 km from the runway. The crew had flown the base leg at 9 nm instead of the prescribed 4 nm. All 34 occupants died.

Accident Circumstances

While conducting a VOR approach to runway 26 at Puerto Plata-Gregorio Luperón Airport, the crew decided to perform a circling visual approach to runway 08. During the turn, the four-engine aircraft struck Peak Isabel de Torres, located 14 km west of the runway 08 threshold. The aircraft disintegrated on impact, and all 34 occupants were killed.

Official Findings

The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, states: "For unknown reasons, the crew completed the last base leg turn at an excessive distance of 9 nm instead of the prescribed 4 nm. The approach was completed by night and the crew failed to see and avoid the mountain."

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Nov 1992 Ilyushin II-18 accident near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic?

During a night circling approach to runway 08, a four-engine aircraft struck Peak Isabel de Torres, 14 km from the runway. The crew had flown the base leg at 9 nm instead of the prescribed 4 nm. All 34 occupants died.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Nov 1992 Ilyushin II-18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 34 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Nov 1992 involved an Ilyushin II-18, registration CU-T1270, operated by Aerocaribbean, at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

For unknown reasons, the crew completed the last base leg turn at an excessive distance of 9 nm instead of the prescribed 4 nm. The approach was completed by night and the crew failed to see and avoid the mountain.

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