On December 29, 1964, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CC-CAN) operated by Linea Aérea Sud Americana (LASA) was involved in an aviation accident near Turrialba, Costa Rica in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck the volcano because it was flying at an altitude too low to clear the mountain slope. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
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.
What happened in the 29 Dec 1964 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 29 Dec 1964 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 29 Dec 1964 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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