What happened
The incident occurred during the initial climb phase following departure from the airport. Shortly after rotation, one of the aircraft's engines failed. This mechanical issue led to a loss of lift, causing the plane to enter a stall. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground approximately 5 km from the airfield and caught fire. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe, and all 11 occupants on board were killed.
Findings
The official investigation conducted by the authorities of Costa Rica concluded that the accident was the result of deliberate sabotage. Evidence gathered during the inquiry revealed that a specific quantity of sand had been introduced into the fuel tank prior to flight. This contamination directly caused the engine failure observed shortly after takeoff. While the mechanism of the failure was clearly established, the investigators were unable to determine the identity of the individual responsible for the act or their specific motive.