A plane operated by NatureAir with five passengers plus a pilot on board crashed into a river in Pavas, a western sector of San José, Costa Rica early this morning which were confirmed by the airline.

It is confirmed that five passengers were on board, and one of them, a woman estimated to be 40 years old, died as a result of the crash. Information on the identities and nationalities of the passengers has not been released to the public, said a NatureAir manager by phone. There is a possibility that American expats were aboard the flight.

The 1975 Cesna 206 crashed into a river near the Tobias Bolaños International Airport in Pavas moments after taking off at 6:30 a.m. local time (12.30 GMT).

The plane was headed for Liberia, Guanacaste in the country’s northern region.

The river traverses a steep canyon, making the rescue very difficult. Many emergency vehicles and personnel were called to the site.

The 5-passenger aircraft used by NatureAir belongs to the local airline Aerobell. Airport officials said the craft was in good working order, had all its inspections up to date, and the pilot had plenty of experience, according to Rolando Richmond, vice-director of the Civil Aviation Department. There were no adverse weather conditions reported, and Richmond added that it is not uncommon for airlines to use crafts belonging to other companies for their flights.

The injured passengers are being treated at local city hospitals.

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