Country

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter off Parismina

Date & Time: Oct 28, 1977 at 0810 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
TI-SPF
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
San José - San José
MSN:
100
YOM:
1956
Country:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Aircraft flight hours:
5122
Circumstances:
Operated by the Costa Rican Ministry of National Security, the aircraft departed San José-Juan Santamaria Airport at 0710LT for an overflight of the Tortuguero National Park, carrying two pilots, a Park Officer and three photographers. While cruising over the sea off Parismina, the engine exploded. Unable to reach the nearest airport, the crew ditched the aircraft about 500 meters offshore. All six occupants swam to the shore and the airplane sank and was lost.
Probable cause:
Engine explosion for unknown reasons.