1 fatality

Post-Takeoff Engine Failure at San Ramón Airport (TAM-45)

San Ramón, BoliviaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 24, 1978, a Convair CV-440 Metropolitan (registration TAM-45) operated by TAM Bolivia - Transporte Aéreo Militar Boliviano was involved in an aviation accident near San Ramón, Bolivia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine after takeoff for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A right engine failure shortly after takeoff from San Ramón Airport led to an emergency return. The aircraft veered off the runway and struck a hangar, killing one person inside while all occupants escaped uninjured.

Incident Overview and Immediate Sequence of Events<br><br>Shortly after departing from San Ramón Airport, the aircraft experienced a failure of its right engine. Following this mechanical issue, the pilot was granted clearance to return to the airport for an emergency landing. The aircraft successfully touched down, but during the landing roll, it veered off the runway and collided with a hangar.<br><br>## Casualties and Occupant Status<br><br>All individuals aboard the aircraft managed to escape the incident without sustaining injuries. However, the collision with the hangar resulted in the death of one person who was inside the structure at the time of the impact.<br><br>## Official Investigation Findings<br><br>The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the right engine after takeoff. The specific reasons for this engine failure were not identified in the official findings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jan 1978 Convair CV-440 Metropolitan accident near San Ramón, Bolivia?

A right engine failure shortly after takeoff from San Ramón Airport led to an emergency return. The aircraft veered off the runway and struck a hangar, killing one person inside while all occupants escaped uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jan 1978 Convair CV-440 Metropolitan accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jan 1978 involved a Convair CV-440 Metropolitan, registration TAM-45, operated by TAM Bolivia - Transporte Aéreo Militar Boliviano, at San Ramón, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the right engine after takeoff for unknown reasons.