Miami - San José

On September 3, 1980 at 02:37 PM, Miami - San José experienced a crash involving Boeing 727-100, operated by Pan American World Airways - PAA, with the event recorded near San José-Juan Santamaría Alajuela (Center-North).

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

73 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 73 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 6, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 67, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. On final approach to San José-Juan Santamaría Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. In limited visibility due to rain falls, the airplane descended below the glide until the right main gear struck the ground 15 meters short of runway 07 threshold. On impact, the landing gear was torn off. Out of control, the airplane struck the ground, lost its undercarriage then slid on several dozen meters before coming to rest. All 73 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft christened 'Clipper Meteor' was damaged beyond repair.

Aircraft reference details include registration N327PA, MSN 19036, year of manufacture 1966.