Aircraft accident near San Gabriel, Bolivia

2 fatalities • San Gabriel, Bolivia • Flight

A positioning flight from La Paz to Santa Cruz ended in a fatal crash in a wooded area northeast of San Gabriel after the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent.

What happened

On the morning of the accident, an aircraft departed from La Paz-El Alto at 08:19 local time. The flight was a positioning mission destined for Santa Cruz-El Trompillo Airport, carrying two pilots. The final communication between the flight crew and air traffic control occurred at 08:50 local time.

While maintaining a cruising altitude of FL390, the aircraft began a series of maneuvers. Radar data indicates that the plane performed a right-hand turn followed by a full 360-degree circuit. This specific circular pattern was repeated approximately 20 times between the initial maneuver and 10:55 local time. At approximately 10:55, the aircraft began an uncontrolled descent. The final radar tracking of the plane was noted at 19,000 feet.

The aircraft eventually impacted the ground in a flat attitude within a forested region situated northeast of San Gabriel. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed in the crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2026-04-13 Cessna 550 Citation Bravo accident near San Gabriel, Bolivia?

A positioning flight from La Paz to Santa Cruz ended in a fatal crash in a wooded area northeast of San Gabriel after the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent.

Were there any fatalities in the 2026-04-13 Cessna 550 Citation Bravo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2026-04-13 involved a Cessna 550 Citation Bravo, registration CP-3243, operated by Private Bolivia, at San Gabriel, Bolivia.

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