On May 13, 1959, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration OB-WBP-507) operated by Transportes Aéreos Peruanas - TAPSA was involved in an aviation accident near Tournavista, Peru in flight. 12 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck mountainous terrain while flying through poor weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside approximately 30 km south of Tournavista during flight through poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During a period of marginal meteorological conditions, an unidentified aircraft impacted the side of a mountain. The collision occurred at a location situated roughly 30 km south of Tournavista. Following the impact, search efforts located the debris field several hours later.
There were 12 fatalities recorded in the accident, with no survivors reported among the occupants. The flight was in the cruise phase of operation when it encountered the terrain.
Findings
The aircraft was operating in marginal weather conditions at the time of the impact.
The wreckage was discovered on a mountain slope.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck mountainous terrain while flying through poor weather conditions.
What happened in the 13 May 1959 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Tournavista, Peru?
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside approximately 30 km south of Tournavista during flight through poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 May 1959 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 12 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 May 1959 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration OB-WBP-507, operated by Transportes Aéreos Peruanas - TAPSA, at Tournavista, Peru.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck mountainous terrain while flying through poor weather conditions.
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