Aircraft crash near Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport

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

An aircraft crashed approximately 10 km from the runway at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport during an approach in instrument meteorological conditions.

What happened

During an approach to runway 01 at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport, an aircraft entered a descent that resulted in a crash approximately 10 km short of the runway. The incident occurred while the flight was operating under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The aircraft struck the ground at an altitude of 5,325 feet.

All 2 occupants on board the aircraft were killed in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed upon impact.

Findings

Investigation into the flight path indicates that the aircraft descended below the required altitude for the approach. At the location of the crash, the minimum altitude required for an approach is 6,700 feet. While the regulations allow for a descent to 5,200 feet after crossing the 5 DME fix, the aircraft had descended too low prior to reaching the appropriate waypoint.

Probable cause

The aircraft descended below the minimum required altitude during an approach in instrument meteorological conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-12-16 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, Honduras?

An aircraft crashed approximately 10 km from the runway at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport during an approach in instrument meteorological conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-12-16 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-16 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration YS-14C, operated by Transportes Aéreos de El Salvador, at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, Honduras.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft descended below the minimum required altitude during an approach in instrument meteorological conditions.

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