On January 18, 1986, a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle (registration HC-BAE) operated by Aerovias Guatemala was involved in an aviation accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala during landing or approach. 94 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to attempt a second approach in below minimums visibility due to fog. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On approach to Flores-Santa Elena Airport in fog, the crew executed a go-around and attempted a second approach but visibility was below minimums. The aircraft struck a mountain 8 km from the airport, disintegrating on impact. All 94 occupants were killed.
Accident
On approach to Flores-Santa Elena Airport, the flight crew encountered poor visibility caused by foggy conditions. The captain decided to initiate a go-around, executed a circuit pattern, and began a second approach several minutes later. The visibility remained below the required minimums, preventing the crew from visually sighting or locating the runway. The aircraft passed over the airport without establishing visual contact with the runway and continued beyond the airfield. It subsequently struck the slope of a mountain situated 8 kilometers from the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, resulting in the deaths of all 94 occupants on board.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to attempt a second approach in below-minimums visibility due to fog.
What happened in the 18 Jan 1986 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident near Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala?
On approach to Flores-Santa Elena Airport in fog, the crew executed a go-around and attempted a second approach but visibility was below minimums. The aircraft struck a mountain 8 km from the airport, disintegrating on impact. All 94 occupants were killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jan 1986 Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 94 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jan 1986 involved a Sud-Aviation SE-210 Caravelle, registration HC-BAE, operated by Aerovias Guatemala, at Flores-Mundo Maya (Santa Elena), Guatemala.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to attempt a second approach in below minimums visibility due to fog.
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