What happened
A scheduled commercial flight traveling from Lima to La Paz, with a planned stop in Cuzco, was operating with a total of 127 people on board, including 122 passengers and five crew members. After departing Cuzco-Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, the aircraft proceeded toward its destination at La Paz-El Alto Airport.
Upon arriving at the destination, the crew performed a standard approach and successfully touched down on runway 10. While the landing itself was described as a normal touchdown, the aircraft experienced a collapse of both main landing gear immediately following contact with the runway. As the gear failed, the aircraft slid along the runway surface on its belly for several dozen meters before coming to a complete stop.
All 127 occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without incident. There were no reported injuries following the event. However, the aircraft sustained significant damage during the excursion and was declared a total loss.
Findings
- The initial touchdown of the aircraft was reported as being within normal parameters.
- The primary mechanical failure involved the simultaneous failure of both main landing gear struts during the braking phase.