No fatalities

1978-08-03: Boeing 707 (CC-CCX) — LAN Chile - Linea Aérea Nacional de Chile — Buenos Aires-Ezeiza-Ministro Pistarini, Argentina

Buenos Aires-Ezeiza-Ministro Pistarini, ArgentinaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 3, 1978, a Boeing 707 (registration CC-CCX) operated by LAN Chile - Linea Aérea Nacional de Chile was involved in an aviation accident near Buenos Aires-Ezeiza-Ministro Pistarini, Argentina during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to properly monitor instruments and adhere to approach checklists while flying in low-visibility conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781226352Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 707
Photo: USAF / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A four-engine aircraft crashed into trees short of the runway threshold in Buenos Aires following an approach in low visibility.

What happened

During a nighttime final approach into Buenos Aires, a four-engine airplane encountered heavy fog which significantly restricted visibility for the flight crew. While attempting to land on runway 11, the aircraft descended below the required altitude and collided with trees situated approximately 2.5 km before the runway threshold. The impact caused the plane to lose altitude and crash into a wooded area located roughly 300 meters to the right of the extended centerline. A large fire broke out following the impact, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe. Among those on board, 22 occupants were injured, while 42 others escaped without harm.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew utilized an incorrect approach configuration during the descent. The primary contributing factor was the crew's failure to follow the established approach checklist and monitor flight instruments while operating in reduced visibility. This lack of procedural compliance led to the aircraft maintaining an altitude that was too low for a safe approach.

Probable cause

The crew failed to properly monitor instruments and adhere to approach checklists while flying in low-visibility conditions.