Introduction
On 17 March 2025, a Lanhsa British Aerospace Jetstream 32, registration HR-AYW, was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Roatan (MHRO) to La Ceiba (MHLC), Honduras, when it lost height shortly after takeoff and impacted the sea approximately 1,000 meters from the coastline. The accident resulted in the deaths of 12 out of the 18 people on board, with five survivors rescued and one person still missing.
Local authorities confirmed that the aircraft was observed making a sharp right turn before losing altitude and crashing into the water. Initial reports suggest that one of the aircraft’s engines lost power before impact.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: British Aerospace Jetstream 32
• Operator: Lanhsa Airlines
• Registration: HR-AYW
• Flight Route: Roatan (MHRO) → La Ceiba (MHLC), Honduras
• Date: 17 March 2025
• Occupants: 18 (15 passengers, 3 crew)
• Fatalities: 12
• Survivors: 5 (rescued alive)
• Missing Persons: 1 (search ongoing)
• Accident Type: Loss of control after takeoff, impact with water
• Final Outcome: Aircraft destroyed, ongoing search and rescue operation
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff & Initial Climb
• The aircraft departed from Roatan’s runway, bound for La Ceiba.
• Weather conditions were reported as stable, with winds from 010° at 12 knots, good visibility, and no significant weather hazards.
• Initial climb appeared normal.
2. Loss of Height & Right Turn
• Witnesses and local authorities reported that the aircraft made a sharp right turn shortly after takeoff.
• During the turn, the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly.
3. Engine Failure Reported
• One of the aircraft’s two turboprop engines reportedly lost power before the aircraft impacted the water.
• Whether the engine failure was the primary cause or a contributing factor remains under investigation.
4. Impact with the Sea
• The aircraft crashed into the sea approximately 1,000 meters from the coastline.
• The fuselage broke apart, leading to significant casualties.
5. Rescue & Recovery Efforts
• Five survivors were rescued alive, receiving medical treatment.
• 12 bodies were recovered from the wreckage.
• One person remains missing, with ongoing search operations being conducted by Honduran authorities, the navy, and emergency teams.
6. Airline & Authority Response
• Lanhsa Airlines confirmed the accident, expressing their condolences:
“This is a tragic event, and our thoughts and hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew.”
• Aviation authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Preliminary Investigation & Possible Causes
1. Engine Failure & Asymmetric Thrust
• Eyewitness reports suggest the aircraft lost power in one engine before impact.
• A single-engine failure at low altitude can lead to loss of control if not managed properly.
• If the aircraft was in a right-hand turn and the left engine failed, it could have resulted in increased yaw and roll forces, leading to an uncontrollable descent.
2. Crew Response & Handling
• Investigators will examine whether the crew executed the correct emergency procedures following the engine failure.
• A failure to maintain proper speed and bank angle in a single-engine situation can lead to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
3. Weight & Balance Considerations
• Investigators will also assess whether the aircraft was operating within its weight and balance limits at the time of departure.
4. Mechanical & Maintenance History
• The Jetstream 32 is an older aircraft, and maintenance records will be reviewed to determine if prior mechanical issues existed.
• Investigators will focus on the engine condition and whether a known issue could have contributed to the failure.
Survivability & Emergency Response
• Given the low altitude at which the aircraft lost control, there was very little time for the crew or passengers to react.
• The impact with water is often survivable if the fuselage remains intact, but rapid sinking, drowning, and hypothermia present major risks in such crashes.
• The five survivors likely managed to exit the aircraft before it submerged fully.
Investigation & Next Steps
• Authorities are searching for the missing person and continuing recovery efforts.
• The wreckage will be examined to determine if an engine failure was indeed the primary cause.
• The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) (if equipped) will be recovered to reconstruct the flight’s final moments.
• Lanhsa Airlines is cooperating with investigators and will likely conduct an internal safety review.
• The Honduran Civil Aviation Authority will issue preliminary findings in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The Lanhsa Jetstream 32 crash near Roatan on 17 March 2025 resulted in the deaths of 12 out of 18 people on board, with one person still missing.
Preliminary information suggests that the aircraft lost height following an engine failure, leading to a right turn and uncontrolled descent into the sea. Investigators will focus on the mechanical condition of the aircraft, pilot response, and emergency procedures to determine the exact cause.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, and a full investigation will determine necessary safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available information as of 18 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
