Rollins Air | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Few minutes after takeoff from La Ceiba-Goloson Airport, while climbing, the aircraft collided with a bird that struck the right engine. The crew decided to return to La Ceiba for an emergency landing when the right engine caught fire and detached. On final, the aircraft went out of control and crashed on a soccer field. All 12 occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause:

Failure of the right engine that detached in flight following a bird strike. It is believed that the bird was probably a buzzard or a vulture.

Crash of a GAF Nomad N.24 in La Ceiba

Date & Time: Nov 19, 1997

Type of aircraft:

GAF Nomad N.24

Operator:

Registration:

N244E

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

MSN:

119

YOM:

1981

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

During the takeoff roll at La Ceiba-Goloson Airport, the twin engine aircraft struck a rut in the ground. The crew heard a loud bang when the rotation was completed shortly later. During initial climb, the crew informed ATC about the situation and was cleared to return for an emergency landing. On touchdown, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft slid on its nose for few dozen metres before coming to rest. All 11 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.