ASN Aircraft accident Fairchild C-123K Provider HPF821 San Carlos
ASN logo
 

Status:
Date:Sunday 5 October 1986
Type:Silhouette image of generic C123 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Fairchild C-123K Provider
Operator:Corporate Air Services
Registration: HPF821
MSN: 20128
First flight:
Crew:Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 4
Passengers:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0
Total:Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 4
Aircraft damage: Damaged beyond repair
Location:near San Carlos (   Nicaragua)
Phase: Maneuvering (MNV)
Nature:Military
Departure airport:San Salvador/Ilopango International Airport (SAL/MSSS), El Salvador
Destination airport:?
Narrative:
Fairchild C-123K Provider N4410F was bought by Corporate Air Services, which was working on behalf of the CIA. The airplane was re-registered HPF821. In 1986 HPF821 was used on a U.S. government-sponsored covert resupply program for the Contras in Nicaragua. On October 5, 1986 the flight departed San Salvador-Ilopango Airport loaded with 70 Soviet-made AK-47 rifles and 100,000 rounds of ammunition, rocket grenades and other supplies. It flew along the Nicaraguan coastline and entered Nicaraguan airspace near the Costa Rican border. Nearing San Carlos, the plane descended to 2500 feet while preparing to drop off its cargo. At that moment the Provider was shot down by a Sandinista soldier using a 9K32 Strela-2 shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missile (also known as SA-7). As it spiralled down, one crew member was able to parachute to safety. He was captured by the Sandinistas.

Sources:
» Shot out of the sky / Time 20 Oct. 1986 (p.28-30)


Photos

Add your photo of this accident or aircraft
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
languages: languages

Share

The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:

CONNECT WITH US: FSF on social media FSF Facebook FSF Twitter FSF Youtube FSF LinkedIn FSF Instagram

©2024 Flight Safety Foundation

1920 Ballenger Av, 4th Fl.
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
www.FlightSafety.org