1998-05-05: Boeing 737-200 — Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú — Andoas, Peru

75 fatalities • Andoas, Peru • Landing (descent or approach)

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The aircraft was completing a charter flight from Iquitos to Andoas on behalf of the Occidental Petroleum Company, carrying eight crew members and 80 employees of this company and their subcontractors. While descending to Andoas-Alferez FAP Alfredo Vladimir Sara Bauer Airport by night, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with rains falls and limited visibility. On final, the aircraft descended below the glide, collided with trees and crashed in a dense wooded area located 5 km short of runway 12. First rescuers arrived on site three hours later. Thirteen occupants included two crew members were seriously injured while 75 other occupants were killed.

Probable cause (official findings): For undetermined reasons, the crew descended below the minimum safe altitude during an approach in IMC conditions until the aircraft impacted the ground.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-05 Boeing 737-200 accident near Andoas, Peru?

The aircraft was completing a charter flight from Iquitos to Andoas on behalf of the Occidental Petroleum Company, carrying eight crew members and 80 employees of this company and their subcontractors. While descending to Andoas-Alferez FAP Alfredo Vladimir Sara Bauer Airport by night, the crew encountered poor…

Were there any fatalities in the 1998-05-05 Boeing 737-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 75 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-05 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration FAP-351, operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú, at Andoas, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

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