Aircraft accident at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport

3 fatalities • Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, Honduras • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight traveling from Milwaukee to Panama City crashed after overrunning the runway at Toncontin Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

A flight originating from Milwaukee-General Billy Mitchell Airport, destined for Howard AFB in Panama City with a scheduled stop in Tegucigalpa, was involved in a fatal accident during its arrival in Honduras. The aircraft was transporting a cargo of electronics and food supplies along with a crew of 10 members.

Upon arriving at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport, the aircraft touched down 2,000 feet beyond the runway threshold. At the time of landing, the aircraft was configured with 50° of flaps. Following the touchdown, the flight crew was unable to decelerate the plane within the available runway length. The aircraft subsequently exited the paved surface, striking a bridge and a roadway before catching fire.

Findings

The accident resulted in three fatalities and seven injuries among the crew. The primary factor in the accident was the inability to stop the aircraft before the end of the runway following a long touchdown.

Probable cause

The aircraft overran the runway after touching down significantly past the threshold, leading to a collision with a bridge and subsequent fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-01 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, Honduras?

A cargo flight traveling from Milwaukee to Panama City crashed after overrunning the runway at Toncontin Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-04-01 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-01 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 88-4408, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, Honduras.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overran the runway after touching down significantly past the threshold, leading to a collision with a bridge and subsequent fire.

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