Crash of a Fairchild C-123K Provider near San Carlos: 3 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 5, 1986
Registration:
HPF821
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
20128
YOM:
1954
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The aircraft departed San Salvador-Ilopango Airport and was dispatched over Nicaragua to deliver military supply to the Contras on behalf of a US program. On board were 70 AK-47 rifles, about 100,000 ammunition, rockets and grenades. Approaching San Carlos after flying along the coast, the crew descended to an altitude of 2,500 feet and was preparing to jettison the cargo when the aircraft was shot downy by a surface-to-air SAM-7 missile from the Sandinista forces. The aircraft lost height and crashed. Three crew members were killed while the fourth was able to parachute to safety. He was later captured by the Sandinista National Liberation Front.
Probable cause:
Shot down by a surface-to-air SAM-7 missile.
