Fatal aircraft impact on Turrialba Volcano

6 fatalities • Turrialba, Costa Rica • Flight

An aircraft crashed into the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano during a night flight, resulting in no survivors among the six people on board.

What happened

During a nighttime flight, an aircraft collided with the side of the Turrialba Volcano. The impact occurred while the plane was maintaining an altitude that was too low for the terrain. Following the collision, search efforts located the debris field approximately one day after the incident.

There were six fatalities recorded in the accident, as all individuals on board perished during the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the wreckage indicated that the aircraft was operating at an insufficient altitude during its cruise phase. This low-altitude flight profile prevented the crew from clearing the volcanic terrain during the night.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck the volcano because it was flying at an altitude too low to clear the mountain slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1964-12-29 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Turrialba, Costa Rica?

An aircraft crashed into the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano during a night flight, resulting in no survivors among the six people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1964-12-29 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1964-12-29 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CC-CAN, operated by Linea Aérea Sud Americana (LASA), at Turrialba, Costa Rica.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck the volcano because it was flying at an altitude too low to clear the mountain slope.

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