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21 fatalities

Crash of Flight in Cap Haïtien After Night Takeoff (HH-PRV)

Cap-Haïtien, HaitiTakeoff (climb)

On August 24, 2003, a Let L-410 (registration HH-PRV) operated by Tropical Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Cap-Haïtien, Haiti during takeoff. 21 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a stall during approach while on the downwind leg base due to a loss of VMC at low altitude. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft crashed in sugar cane field after night takeoff from Cap Haïtien Airport; all 21 occupants killed. Probable cause: stall due to loss of VMC at low altitude.

Accident Overview

Shortly after a night takeoff from runway 05 at Cap Haïtien Airport, the crew reported technical problems during initial climb. An emergency was declared, and the aircraft was cleared to return. While on base leg, the aircraft lost height and crashed in a sugar cane field located 2 km from the airport, bursting into flames. All 21 occupants were killed. It was later reported that the door of the forward baggage hold opened during takeoff.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a stall during approach while on the downwind leg base due to a loss of VMC at low altitude.

Contributing Factors

The following contributing factors were identified:

  • Failure of the crew to manage the approach procedure (poor CRM)
  • Use of maximum flaps (42°)
  • Insufficient altitude
  • Lack of coordination between crew members
  • A possible state of fatigue of the captain
  • A possible overweight aircraft
  • The opening of the forward baggage hold door during takeoff
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 2003 Let L-410 accident near Cap-Haïtien, Haiti?

Aircraft crashed in sugar cane field after night takeoff from Cap Haïtien Airport; all 21 occupants killed. Probable cause: stall due to loss of VMC at low altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Aug 2003 Let L-410 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 21 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 2003 involved a Let L-410, registration HH-PRV, operated by Tropical Airways, at Cap-Haïtien, Haiti.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of a stall during approach while on the downwind leg base due to a loss of VMC at low altitude. Contributing factors: failure of the crew to manage the approach procedure (poor CRM), use of maximum flaps (42°), insufficient altitude, lack of coordination between crew members, a…

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