Cargo aircraft crash during initial climb

No fatalities • La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia • Takeoff (climb)

A cargo flight transporting food supplies crashed shortly after takeoff when the aircraft lost control during its ascent.

What happened

During a scheduled cargo mission intended to deliver food supplies, an aircraft experienced a loss of control immediately following takeoff. As the plane entered its initial climb phase, it became unstable and drifted beyond the perimeter of the runway.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. While there were three occupants on board at the time of the accident, all survived the event, though they sustained various injuries during the crash sequence.

Findings

Preliminary details indicate that the loss of control occurred during the transition from takeoff to the climb phase, leading the aircraft to overshoot the runway end.

Probable cause

The aircraft became uncontrollable during the initial climb phase immediately after liftoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-08-31 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia?

A cargo flight transporting food supplies crashed shortly after takeoff when the aircraft lost control during its ascent.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-08-31 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-08-31 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CP-900, operated by Servicios Aéreos Bolivianos - SAB, at La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft became uncontrollable during the initial climb phase immediately after liftoff.

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