Crash of a Fokker 50 in Bocas del Toro
Date & Time:
May 16, 2025 at 2059 LT
Operator:
Registration:
HP-1899PST
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Panama City - Bocas del Toro
MSN:
20306
YOM:
1994
Flight number:
PST982
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
32
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
2472.00
Copilot / Total hours on type:
486
Aircraft flight hours:
40621
Aircraft flight cycles:
56297
Circumstances:
The airplane departed Panama City-Marcos A. Gelabert Airport at 2012LT on a regular schedule service (flight PST982) to Bocas del Toro-Capitán José Ezequiel Hall Airport, carrying 32 passengers and three crew members. Ten minutes prior to arrival, the crew was informed about the weather conditions at destination with moderate rain, wind calm and a wet runway. Two minutes before landing, the copilot confirmed the runway in sight and the crew was cleared to land on runway 27. After touchdown, the airplane started to veer to the right, entered a grassy and soft ground, lost its undercarriage and collided with a concrete wall, causing the right wing to be sheared off. Out of control, the airplane slid for few metres and came to rest 13 metres to the right of the runway and 720 metres from the runway 27 threshold. All 38 occupants were rescued, among them one crew member was seriously injured. The airplane was destroyed.
Probable cause:
The aircraft veered to the right of the runway centerline during the approach; after it made contact with the ground, it lost control, resulting in a runway excursion (RE) on that same side.
The following findings and contributing factors were identified:
- The flight dispatch did not provide sufficient accurate meteorological information to conduct the flight.
- The approach to Runway 27 was conducted using unauthorized RNP procedures.
- A possible sedative effect from medication taken by a flight crew member may have affected his performance.
- Data from the FDR indicate a slight deviation to the right and a correction in the final seconds.
- FDR data from the final moments of the flight demonstrate abnormal or uncontrolled operation.
- Oscillations and extreme values in the control column also confirm a struggle to maintain control or a response to unusual aerodynamic or impact forces.
- While the flap configuration and speed management during the final 200 feet could be consistent with an attempt at a controlled
landing, the flight dynamics reflected in the FDR data during the final seconds of the approach demonstrate that the aircraft was
being operated outside the limits and procedures established in the manual for safe and controlled operation.
- Failure to comply with procedures outlined by flight dispatch to obtain accurate weather information for the flight.
- Lack of supervision and control over the aircraft’s ground handling.
- The crew’s decision to continue the flight.
- The pilot-in-command did not take control of the aircraft for landing.
- Poor visual conditions on the runway (dark surface, visibility reduced by rain).
- Approach deviated to the right of the runway centerline and unstable landing.
- The left engine throttle was found at Ground Idle while the right engine throttle was at Takeoff Power. The left fuel lever (LH) was found in the Shut-off position, and the right fuel lever (RH) in the Start position. Flap lever was in UP position.
The following findings and contributing factors were identified:
- The flight dispatch did not provide sufficient accurate meteorological information to conduct the flight.
- The approach to Runway 27 was conducted using unauthorized RNP procedures.
- A possible sedative effect from medication taken by a flight crew member may have affected his performance.
- Data from the FDR indicate a slight deviation to the right and a correction in the final seconds.
- FDR data from the final moments of the flight demonstrate abnormal or uncontrolled operation.
- Oscillations and extreme values in the control column also confirm a struggle to maintain control or a response to unusual aerodynamic or impact forces.
- While the flap configuration and speed management during the final 200 feet could be consistent with an attempt at a controlled
landing, the flight dynamics reflected in the FDR data during the final seconds of the approach demonstrate that the aircraft was
being operated outside the limits and procedures established in the manual for safe and controlled operation.
- Failure to comply with procedures outlined by flight dispatch to obtain accurate weather information for the flight.
- Lack of supervision and control over the aircraft’s ground handling.
- The crew’s decision to continue the flight.
- The pilot-in-command did not take control of the aircraft for landing.
- Poor visual conditions on the runway (dark surface, visibility reduced by rain).
- Approach deviated to the right of the runway centerline and unstable landing.
- The left engine throttle was found at Ground Idle while the right engine throttle was at Takeoff Power. The left fuel lever (LH) was found in the Shut-off position, and the right fuel lever (RH) in the Start position. Flap lever was in UP position.
Final Report:
