Two men and one woman lost their lives this Monday in Puerto Lempira, a coastal town in the Honduran Caribbean, when a small plane attempting to cross a runway collided with a motorcycle on the road. The authorities identified the aircraft as an HR-NCH registered single-engine Cessna 206, which operates local routes from Puerto Lempira to the Gracias a Dios department, according to statements from the Honduran Civil Aviation Authority (AHAC). The incident occurred during the landing sequence, as the aircraft reportedly crossed a motorcycle-access road instead of the designated area for arrival, shocking residents and authorities alike.
AHAC stated that, following its established protocol, the incident will be reported to the Accident and Incident Investigation Commission as well as the Air Navigation Department within the institution. The Commission will lead the formal investigation and prepare a preliminary report in the coming days, outlining the sequence of events and potential contributing factors for the accident that happened around 13:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
Authorities from the Honduran Civil Aviation Authority expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The individuals named by officials are Erick Hayloc Jemes and Maricela Dandy Osorio. The agency emphasized its commitment to a transparent inquiry aimed at uncovering the facts behind the tragedy and to sharing findings with the public as soon as they are available.
The Puerto Lempira runway, which is the most important air facility for the six municipalities of Gracias a Dios, is reportedly unpaved and reportedly lacking some safety systems. Local residents have raised concerns about the presence of pedestrians and animals on the runway, describing conditions as dangerous and asking for improved infrastructure and safety measures to prevent future accidents.
In the aftermath of the crash, a prominent political figure offered thoughts on the incident. A member of the opposition Liberal Party criticized what she described as a lack of sustained investment in the region’s air infrastructure, noting that the government had announced a $30 million allocation for improvements at other airports but had not yet addressed the needs of La Mosquitia. The remarks called for prioritizing safety upgrades and infrastructure projects to protect residents and air travelers alike.
The concerns voiced reflect a broader call for action on aviation safety in Gracias a Dios, where authorities have acknowledged the need for perimeter fencing, better access roads, and more robust safety protocols around airfields. The incident underscores the importance of ensuring that flight operations in remote regions meet stringent safety standards and that ongoing maintenance and investment are aligned with the realities of local air travel, especially in areas with challenging terrain and limited infrastructure.