Managua – France Field

On August 30, 1929 at 12:00 AM, Managua – France Field experienced a crash involving Keystone LB-6, operated by United States Army Air Corps - USAAC, with the event recorded near Managua Managua City District.

The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

3 people were known to be on board, 1 fatalities were recorded, 2 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 33.3%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is technical failure. The aircraft was on its way from Managua to France Field, Colón, Panama, carrying three crew members. After takeoff from Managua, while in initial climb, the left engine caught fire. The pilot decided to return for an emergency landing and initiated a turn when the right engine lost power. The aircraft stalled and crashed in a wooded area, bursting into flames. All three occupants were injured and the aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire. In the evening, the pilot died from his injuries.

Aircraft reference details include registration 29-15.