Aircraft crash near La Paz-El Alto Airport

4 fatalities • La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway during an emergency return to La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft departed from La Paz-El Alto Airport, bound for Santa Cruz, with a total of four people on board, including two pilots and two technicians. Shortly after the departure, the crew experienced a failure of the right engine while performing the initial climb. In response to the engine malfunction, the crew declared an emergency and received clearance to return to the departure airport.

During the final approach, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 500 metres before reaching the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames. There were four fatalities among the occupants of the twin-engine aircraft.

Findings

The accident occurred following the failure of the right engine during the early stages of flight.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the right engine during the initial climb necessitated an emergency return, which ultimately led to the crash short of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-04-01 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed short of the runway during an emergency return to La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in four fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2000-04-01 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-04-01 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration FAB-014, operated by TAM Bolivia - Transporte Aéreo Militar Boliviano, at La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the right engine during the initial climb necessitated an emergency return, which ultimately led to the crash short of the runway.

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