Managua-Las Mercedes Airport Crash: Aircraft Destroyed After Takeoff (YS-09C)

Accident Overview and Casualties Shortly after departing runway 29 at Managua-Las Mercedes Airport, the aircraft entered its initial climb and banked left. It struck the ground in a field 2.4 km from the airport and caught fire. The impact and post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. Fifteen people were killed, including two crew members, while four occupants survived. ## Official Investigation Findings The investigating board concluded that the accident involved several factors. The number 1 engine failed at the end of runway 29 during takeoff, before the aircraft reached V2 speed. The landing gear did not retract immediately after the aircraft reached V2 speed. Engine number 2 failed a few seconds later during a climb with insufficient speed to maintain control. This led to a forced left turn that became progressively tighter, causing the aircraft to roll inverted and strike a tree with its left wing. ## Cause Determination The board considered several possible reasons for the engine failures and the non-retraction of the landing gear. However, tests on the aircraft's parts did not provide substantiating evidence or proof supporting any one of those reasons. As a result, the board was unable to positively attribute the accident to any mechanical or electrical failure or to any piloting error.