On March 3, 1980, a Learjet 25 (registration N211MB) operated by Merchant Bank was involved in an aviation accident near Port-au-Prince, Haiti during landing or approach. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude during its nighttime descent toward the airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft crashed into a residential area approximately 21 km from Port-au-Prince-François Duvalier Airport during its nighttime descent, resulting in multiple fatalities.
What happened
During a nighttime approach to Port-au-Prince-François Duvalier Airport, an unidentified aircraft descended into a residential area located roughly 21 km from the runway. The plane struck several houses during its final approach phase. The impact resulted in three fatalities among the occupants and three deaths on the ground. Additionally, one passenger sustained serious injuries during the collision.
Findings
Preliminary observations indicate that the aircraft was operating at an insufficient altitude prior to the impact. While the specific reason for this low-altitude descent remains undetermined, the flight path was significantly below the required safety margins for the approach to the airport.
Probable cause
The aircraft was flying at an inadequate altitude during its nighttime descent toward the airport.