Cessna 207A crashes in Cajamarca mountains during flight repositioning

Casualties unknown • PE

A Cessna 207A crashed into mountainous terrain in Cajamarca, Peru, resulting in three fatalities after the crew deviated from their planned route.

What happened

On October 9, 2016, a Cessna 207A, registration OB-1936-P, operated by Air Majoro S.A., crashed in the Uchuquinua sector of the Llapa District, Cajamarca. The aircraft was performing a repositioning flight from Trujillo to Pucallpa, which included several intermediate stops.

During the flight, the crew reported deviating to the right of their planned route to avoid weather conditions. While attempting to navigate toward Santa Cruz, the aircraft's trajectory shifted significantly south. Radar tracking indicated the aircraft was following a course that led it toward mountainous terrain with elevations reaching approximately 12,800 feet. At approximately 09:00 local time, the aircraft impacted a hill at an altitude of 11,335 feet. The crash resulted in three fatalities, involving the pilot, co-pilot, and one passenger.

The investigation

The CIAA investigation examined the flight plan, which intended for the aircraft to cruise at 12,500 feet, and the aircraft's performance capabilities. Investigators noted that the aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) only provided performance charts up to 12,000 feet, requiring the crew to interpolate data for higher altitudes.

Additionally, the investigation reviewed the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, which noted a limitation prohibiting flight above 10,000 feet due to the lack of supplemental oxygen equipment for non-pressurized cabins. The investigation also analyzed radar tracks from CORPAC, which showed the aircraft deviating from its original flight plan and moving toward higher terrain obstacles.

Probable cause

The probable cause of the accident was the pilots' loss of situational awareness, which led to a failure to maintain continuous vigilance during VFR flight. This resulted in the failure to timely correct direction or altitude, ultimately leading the aircraft into terrain that exceeded its performance capabilities, causing a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-10-09 aircraft accident near PE?

A Cessna 207A crashed into mountainous terrain in Cajamarca, Peru, resulting in three fatalities after the crew deviated from their planned route.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-10-09 involved a aircraft, registration OB-1936-P, at PE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The probable cause of the accident was the pilots' loss of situational awareness, which led to a failure to maintain continuous vigilance during VFR flight. This resulted in the failure to timely correct direction or altitude, ultimately leading the aircraft into terrain that exceeded its performance capabilities,…

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