75 fatalities

Nighttime Approach Accident in Andoas, Peru (FAP-351)

Andoas, PeruLanding (descent or approach)

On May 5, 1998, a Boeing 737-200 (registration FAP-351) operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú was involved in an aviation accident near Andoas, Peru during landing or approach. 75 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For undetermined reasons, the crew descended below the minimum safe altitude during an approach in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-200
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A charter aircraft crashed while descending to Andoas in poor weather, killing 75 occupants and seriously injuring 13, including two crew members.

Incident Overview and Operational Context The aircraft was operating a charter flight from Iquitos to Andoas on behalf of the Occidental Petroleum Company. The flight carried eight crew members and 80 employees of the company and its subcontractors. ## Approach and Collision During a nighttime descent to Andoas-Alferez FAP Alfredo Vladimir Sara Bauer Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions, including rain and limited visibility. On final approach, the aircraft descended below the glide path, struck trees, and crashed in a dense wooded area located 5 km short of runway 12. ## Rescue and Casualties First rescuers arrived at the site three hours after the accident. Thirteen occupants, including two crew members, were seriously injured, while 75 other occupants were killed.

Probable cause

For undetermined reasons, the crew descended below the minimum safe altitude during an approach in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted the ground.