7 fatalities

1951-07-29: Curtiss C-46 Commando (CB-39) — Loide Aéreo Nacional — Cochabamba, Bolivia

Cochabamba, BoliviaTakeoff (climb)

On July 29, 1951, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CB-39) operated by Loide Aéreo Nacional was involved in an aviation accident near Cochabamba, Bolivia during takeoff. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a tree during its initial climb following takeoff. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781256007Data APIEditorial standards

A Boeing aircraft crashed into a tree shortly after departing Cochabamba-Jorge Wilsterman Airport, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

On the date of the accident, an aircraft owned by Loide Aéreo Nacional was performing a flight from Cochabamba-Jorge Wilsterman Airport. The plane, which had been acquired from Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano (LAB Airlines) on July 21 and was in the process of being transferred to Rio de Janeiro, was in its initial climb phase immediately following departure.

During this ascent, the aircraft struck a tree, which led to a subsequent crash involving intense flames. There were seven fatalities among the occupants of the plane, with no survivors reported from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight.
  • The impact with an obstacle (a tree) preceded the post-crash fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a tree during its initial climb following takeoff.