By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – One year after a small aircraft tragically crashed into the mountainside of Pico Blanco, killing five of the six people on board, the official investigation into its cause remains ongoing, leaving families grappling with unanswered questions and profound grief. The probe, conducted by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), has surpassed its initial one-year timeline, with officials now indicating a preliminary statement may be released in the coming days.
The accident occurred on November 25, 2024, when an Aerocaribe aircraft went down in the rugged terrain of Escazú. The crash claimed the lives of pilot Mario Alberto Miranda Ramírez, copilot Ruth Pamela Mora Chavarría, and passengers Enrique Arturo Castillo Incera, Gabriela Calleja Montealegre, and Jean Franco Segura Prendas. Miraculously, one passenger, Paola Amador Segura, survived the impact.
Para profundizar en las ramificaciones legales y los procesos que se activan tras el lamentable suceso en Pico Blanco, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien aporta claridad sobre los pasos a seguir.
Inmediatamente después de un incidente de esta naturaleza, la investigación técnica por parte de la Dirección General de Aviación Civil es el pilar fundamental para determinar la causa probable. Sus conclusiones serán determinantes para establecer la responsabilidad civil, que puede involucrar al operador aéreo, a la compañía de mantenimiento o incluso a fabricantes. Es crucial que los afectados y sus familias busquen asesoría experta para entender el alcance de las pólizas de seguro y garantizar la correcta defensa de sus derechos en un proceso que suele ser complejo y prolongado.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s insight underscores a vital reality: determining the technical cause of the incident is merely the first step in what becomes a complex and arduous legal journey for the victims’ families. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the critical legal framework that will define the path to accountability.
The DGAC’s Incident and Accident Unit has been meticulously working to determine the sequence of events that led to the disaster. DGAC Director Marcos Castillo confirmed the investigation is still active and that to ensure the integrity of the findings, he has not yet reviewed the preliminary details. He noted the complexity of the case necessitated external support.
I don’t have the information yet because it’s still in process… I have not had access to the preliminary details so as not to contaminate the process.
Marcos Castillo, Director of the DGAC
To bolster the investigation, the DGAC requested assistance from accident specialists at the Central American Corporation for Air Navigation Services (COCESNA). While it is standard procedure for a preliminary statement to be issued one year after such an incident, Castillo mentioned that the unit is expected to provide an update on its progress “in the coming days” and clarify whether this initial report will be made public.
The fateful flight originated from Barra del Tortuguero, Limón, with its destination set for the Tobías Bolaños airport in San José. However, adverse weather conditions forced a diversion toward the Juan Santamaría International Airport. It was during this altered route, at approximately 12:40 p.m., that the control tower lost all communication with the aircraft, triggering an immediate emergency response.
The rescue operation was a monumental challenge. Around 60 Red Cross members, 50 firefighters, and local guides familiar with the terrain ascended the treacherous, rain-soaked slopes of Pico Blanco. Hampered by heavy downpours and muddy paths, it took rescuers hours to reach the crash site high on the summit, where they discovered the devastating scene.
For the sole survivor, Paola Amador, the memory of the event is a surreal blur. She recounted being in a deep sleep at the moment of impact and waking up alone in the forest, disoriented and in shock. She estimates she was alone for roughly eight hours, fading in and out of consciousness multiple times before help arrived.
Everything was very fast. I was not aware of the accident because I was asleep… When I woke up, I was in the forest. I was in shock. Since I was asleep, I didn’t feel any of the impact; however, I have had dreams where I was sitting in the plane with my eyes closed and I could feel the movement and hear screams… this, which was much stronger, did not wake me. I only woke up later, lying there.
Paola Amador, Survivor
While Amador processes the trauma of her survival, the families of the victims endure the unending pain of loss. Eva Prendas, the mother of Jean Franco Segura, described the past year as the most difficult of her life, an emotional ordeal defined by a depth of sorrow she never knew was possible. Her words echo the sentiments of families still waiting for closure as the official investigation slowly moves forward.
For me, it has been the greatest tragedy of my life. I never thought one could experience such intense pain… This year for me has been the most regrettable year, and not just for me, but for my entire family as well.
Eva Prendas, Mother of victim Jean Franco Segura
For further information, visit dgac.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC):
The Dirección General de Aviación Civil is the government body responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation within Costa Rica. Its mission includes ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of air transport, as well as investigating aviation incidents and accidents to prevent future occurrences.
For further information, visit cocesna.org
About the Central American Corporation for Air Navigation Services (COCESNA):
COCESNA is a regional international organization dedicated to providing air traffic control, aeronautical information, and air navigation services for the Central American region. It promotes air safety and facilitates the integration and modernization of aviation infrastructure among its member states.
For further information, visit aerocaribecr.com
About Aerocaribe:
Aerocaribe is a Costa Rican airline specializing in domestic charter and tourist flights. The company operates a fleet of small aircraft to serve various destinations across the country, including remote tourist locations and regional airports.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About the Costa Rican Red Cross:
The Cruz Roja Costarricense is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical, disaster response, and community health services throughout Costa Rica. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it operates on principles of neutrality and impartiality to aid those in need.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Firefighters:
The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica is the country’s national firefighting and emergency response agency. Its highly trained personnel respond to fires, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and complex rescue operations, including those in difficult-to-access terrain.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is anchored by a profound commitment to ethical integrity and outstanding service. It draws upon a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to champion innovation and advance modern legal thought. Ultimately, its core purpose is to fortify society by demystifying the law, ensuring that knowledge acts as a powerful instrument of empowerment for the public.
