Nature Air / Costa Rica

[waterdog]

In a 3 month span between September and December Nature Air in Costa Rica has had 2 fatal crashes that seem shockingly similar, immediately after take off. I am planning on taking my family to Costa Rica in March and was looking at this company as a way to get around but they haven't had a good run recently. The question is; is this just bad luck or is there an underlying problem that is coming to the surface and the place should be avoided. Given that the last crash killed 10 US citizens the company may not even be around in a couple of months depending on the speed of the lawsuits. I'd rather make the decision to fly based on fact vs irrational fear so any information would be appreciated.

K

[bobm]

I am currently in Bocas. I really cannot offer an opinion except to say the 208 is a pretty good aircraft. Since they fly into here, here is a link to the local Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Nature%20Air

[727driver]

Nature Air used to really solid back when they ran twin otters. Few years back they switched to Let 410 soon after management change. Big mistake. Last year Bank repoed the Lets. They contracted out all flying to a third party contractor. Local charter outfit not really staffed for the extra work. Pilots and planes pushed to limits. During this time the contractor crashed a 206 fully of Nature Air paxs. Investigators are leaning to overweight takeoff. 6 SOB, baggage and nearly full fuel. Pavas airport is 5k asl and surrounded by mountains, not a good place to take off overweight, and this was one of their senior guys. Fast forward six months Nature Air just got their 208 online and crash one a month later. You think they got all the kinks worked out or rushed into service. Things are pretty shakey right now. Pilots are overworked and low experience. Driving can be interesting but right now I would drive or bus it to you destination. I usually rent a car. For now I would definitely rent a car. Good luck

[waterdog]

Thanks for the replies guys. That lines up with what I was finding in my research and makes sense. As the company struggles with financial difficulties it starts to push the weather and the weight limits in an effort not to cancel flights and the accidents start to pile up. I saw one video a pax had posted during takeoff and the stall alarm is blaring the entire time with the plane barely taking flight prior to the end of the short runway. The video didn't have much information in it with regard to plane type, loading, and all of the other variables but it sure was eye opening.

Thanks again for the info

Waterdog

[J31]

Hmmm.......you know how this is going to end.....

I'm glad the rope broke before they ripped the tail skid off!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f8uN8lyRS8

[bobm]

I guess they have been shut down.

http://www.businessinsider.com/costa-ri ... air-2018-1

[teacher]

I too was about to book a flight with them from Liberia to San Jose. The next day after doing a little research and figuring this would be my way to get to San Jose I see this in the news!

Anyone have experience with http://flysansa.com/m/en ?