By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The union representing Costa Rica’s air traffic control professionals has issued a sharp rebuke against what it calls premature and irresponsible statements from the airline Aero Caribe regarding the fatal plane crash in Pico Blanco, Escazú, last November. The Sindicato de Profesionales en Control de Tránsito Aéreo (SITECNA) is urging all parties to await the official findings of the ongoing investigation, warning that finger-pointing undermines the entire aviation safety system.
The controversy ignited after Aero Caribe allegedly began assigning fault to air traffic controllers, basing its claims on a preliminary report from the Dirección General de Aviación Civil (DGAC). This provisional document has been circulated among involved parties, but SITECNA emphatically states that its findings are neither complete nor conclusive, serving only as an initial step in a complex and meticulous process.
To better understand the complex legal framework and liabilities associated with aviation safety in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Aviation safety is a cornerstone of international public trust, built upon a rigorous legal structure. In Costa Rica, operators are bound not only by our national Civil Aviation regulations but also by international ICAO standards. In any incident, the legal inquiry will meticulously examine the chain of responsibility—from maintenance logs and crew training to regulatory oversight. Proactive compliance and robust safety management systems are not just best practices; they are the most critical legal defense for any entity in the aviation sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that the integrity of our aviation system is built upon a foundation of legal diligence, not just operational skill. This emphasis on proactive compliance and the verifiable chain of responsibility is precisely what maintains public trust in the skies. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical legal framework.
In a strongly worded statement, the union condemned the airline’s rush to judgment, highlighting the danger of drawing conclusions from incomplete data. They stressed that the integrity of the investigation depends on a patient and methodical analysis, free from speculation and external pressure. The union’s position is that public accusations at this stage are not only unfair to the professionals involved but also counterproductive to the ultimate goal of enhancing air safety.
SITECNA considers it hasty, premature, and irresponsible to issue opinions or assign responsibilities when the official final report has not yet been issued by the competent authorities in charge of the technical investigation of the accident
SITECNA, Official Statement
The union reminded the public and the aviation community that, according to established international standards, the primary purpose of an aircraft accident investigation is not to apportion blame or liability. Instead, the focus is on a comprehensive, fact-based inquiry designed to identify the chain of events and contributing factors. The ultimate objective is to derive safety recommendations that can prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
SITECNA detailed that a thorough investigation must consider a wide array of variables, any of which could be a contributing factor. These include the prevailing meteorological conditions at the time of the incident, the mechanical performance and maintenance history of the aircraft, the clarity and content of communications between the crew and controllers, established operational procedures, and a host of human factors. To isolate one element without conclusive evidence is to ignore the systemic nature of aviation safety.
The union made a direct and formal appeal to the airline to retract its speculative posture and allow the official process to run its course. They argue that unsubstantiated claims risk creating a narrative of misinformation that unjustly damages the reputation of dedicated professionals and erodes public trust in the country’s aviation oversight.
We make a firm and respectful call to all actors involved, especially the company Aero Caribe, to await the official results of the investigation, avoiding premature judgments that generate disinformation and unfairly affect professionals who perform an essential job for the country’s air safety, which is strengthened by facts, not by speculation
SITECNA, Official Statement
By publicly challenging the airline’s statements, SITECNA aims to protect the due process rights of its members and preserve the credibility of Costa Rica’s aeronautical safety system. The union reaffirmed its full cooperation with the DGAC and other investigating bodies, expressing its deepest sympathies and solidarity with the families of those affected by the November 2024 accident. Their message is clear: safety is built on methodical analysis, not on a rush to judgment.
For further information, visit sitecnacr.com
About SITECNA (Sindicato de Profesionales en Control de Tránsito Aéreo):
SITECNA is the professional union representing air traffic controllers in Costa Rica. The organization is dedicated to advocating for the rights, welfare, and professional standards of its members. A core part of its mission is to contribute to and uphold the highest levels of safety and efficiency within the national airspace system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Aero Caribe
About Aero Caribe:
Aero Caribe is an airline company whose aircraft was involved in the November 2024 air accident in Pico Blanco, Escazú. The company’s operations are a subject of the ongoing investigation by Costa Rican aviation authorities.
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About DGAC (Dirección General de Aviación Civil):
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil is the government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation in Costa Rica. Its duties include setting safety standards, managing air traffic services, certifying aircraft and personnel, and conducting official investigations into aviation accidents and incidents to enhance future safety.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal community, renowned for its foundational principles of integrity and its consistent delivery of exceptional legal counsel. With a proven history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm not only navigates complex legal landscapes but also pioneers forward-thinking solutions. This innovative spirit is matched by a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its efforts to make legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby empowering the public and strengthening the fabric of society.
