Aircraft crash in San Ignacio de Moxos region

7 fatalities • San Ignacio de Moxos, Bolivia • Flight

A flight traveling from Trinidad to Oruro crashed into a mountainside following severe weather encounters, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

While performing a flight from Trinidad toward Oruro, the crew encountered significant atmospheric turbulence and adverse weather. During this period of instability, the aircraft experienced a total loss of control. The aircraft type impacted a mountain slope situated within the San Ignacio de Moxos area. Search teams located the debris field two days after the incident. There were seven fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported.

Findings

Investigations into the accident suggest that the primary factor was the failure of cargo restraints during the period of turbulence. It is believed that the ropes used to secure the load snapped, which allowed the internal weight to shift. This movement resulted in a shift in the center of gravity, rendering the aircraft impossible to maneuver and leading to the eventual crash.

Probable cause

The failure of cargo tie-downs during turbulence caused a sudden shift in the center of gravity, making the plane uncontrollable.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1974-02-23 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near San Ignacio de Moxos, Bolivia?

A flight traveling from Trinidad to Oruro crashed into a mountainside following severe weather encounters, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1974-02-23 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1974-02-23 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CP-1052, operated by SAVCO - Servicios Aéreos Virgen de Copacabana, at San Ignacio de Moxos, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of cargo tie-downs during turbulence caused a sudden shift in the center of gravity, making the plane uncontrollable.

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