On May 14, 1991, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-1617) operated by Transportes Aéreos Eldorado was involved in an aviation accident near Beni, Bolivia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine in flight for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft suffered a right engine failure while cruising at 5,000 feet, prompting a diversion to Beni where it made a belly landing. All five occupants exited uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.
Incident Overview
While en route from Estancia La Esperanza to La Paz, an aircraft experienced a failure of its right engine while cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet. The crew responded by reducing altitude and diverting toward Beni, where they attempted an emergency landing.
Emergency Landing
The aircraft executed a belly landing, sliding for a few dozen meters before coming to a stop. All five occupants on board escaped uninjured. However, the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation concluded that the probable cause was a failure of the right engine in flight for unknown reasons. No additional factors or contributing circumstances were identified.