Emergency belly landing of aircraft near Beni following engine failure

No fatalities • Beni, Bolivia • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft en route to La Paz was forced to perform an emergency belly landing in Beni after experiencing a right engine failure during cruise.

What happened

During a flight traveling from Estancia La Esperanza toward La Paz, the aircraft was maintaining a cruising altitude of 5,000 feet when the right engine ceased functioning. Following the loss of power, the crew initiated a descent to a lower altitude and altered the flight path to divert toward Beni, where they sought an emergency landing site.

Upon attempting the landing, the aircraft made contact with the ground on its belly. The impact caused the plane to slide for several dozen meters before the movement ceased. While the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, all five occupants successfully exited the wreckage without any reported injuries.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the emergency was the failure of the right engine during the cruise phase of flight.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the right engine during cruise flight necessitated an emergency diversion and subsequent belly landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-05-14 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Beni, Bolivia?

An aircraft en route to La Paz was forced to perform an emergency belly landing in Beni after experiencing a right engine failure during cruise.

Were there any fatalities in the 1991-05-14 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-05-14 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CP-1617, operated by Transportes Aéreos Eldorado, at Beni, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the right engine during cruise flight necessitated an emergency diversion and subsequent belly landing.

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