5 fatalities

2000-01-15: Let L-410 (YS-09-C) — Taxi Aéreo Centroamericano - TACSA — San José-Tobías Bolaños, Costa Rica

San José-Tobías Bolaños, Costa RicaTakeoff (climb)

On January 15, 2000, a Let L-410 (registration YS-09-C) operated by Taxi Aéreo Centroamericano - TACSA was involved in an aviation accident near San José-Tobías Bolaños, Costa Rica during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Possible loss of longitudinal control of the aircraft in flight, due to not reaching the minimum climb speed, due to a wrong takeoff configuration as the flaps were retracted (zero position). This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781203790Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff from San José-Tobías Bolaños Airport, an aircraft stalled and crashed into a house in Rohrmoser, about 3 km southeast. Four passengers were killed, 14 others injured, and the captain later died. Three people in the house were uninjured.

Accident Details

After takeoff from San José-Tobías Bolaños Airport, en route to Tortuguero National Park, the aircraft stalled during initial climb and crashed onto a house located in the district of Rohrmoser, approximately 3 km southeast of the airport.

Casualties and Injuries

Four passengers were killed in the accident. Fourteen other occupants were injured, some seriously. Three people in the house—a nurse and two little girls—were uninjured. Fifteen days after the accident, on January 30, the captain died from his injuries.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined the probable cause as a possible loss of longitudinal control of the aircraft in flight, due to not reaching the minimum climb speed, resulting from a wrong takeoff configuration with the flaps retracted (zero position).