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2 fatalities

1998-12-16: Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (YS-14C) — Transportes Aéreos de El Salvador — Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, Honduras

Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, HondurasLanding (descent or approach)

On December 16, 1998, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration YS-14C) operated by Transportes Aéreos de El Salvador was involved in an aviation accident near Tegucigalpa-Toncontin, Honduras during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew continued the approach at an insufficient altitude until the aircraft impacted ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781204685Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed 10 km short of runway 01 at Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport, descending below minimum altitude. Both occupants were killed. Probable cause: controlled flight into terrain due to insufficient approach altitude.

Accident Overview

An aircraft operating an approach to Tegucigalpa-Toncontin Airport runway 01 in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) descended too low and crashed 10 km short of the runway at an altitude of 5,325 feet. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact. Both occupants were killed.

Approach and Terrain

The minimum altitude for the approach at the crash site is 6,700 feet. After crossing the 5 DME fix, a flight can descend to 5,200 feet. The aircraft's altitude at the crash location was 5,325 feet, which was below the minimum altitude specified for that position.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) after the crew continued the approach at an insufficient altitude until the aircraft impacted the ground.

Controlled flight into terrain

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