On February 18, 1992, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-1655) operated by Transporte Aéreos Universal was involved in an aviation accident near Cochabamba, Bolivia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing sequence. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced a left main landing gear failure while touching down at Cochabamba-Jorge Wilstermann Airport, resulting in a runway excursion.
What happened
During the landing phase at Cochabamba-Jorge Wilstermann Airport, the aircraft's left main landing gear suffered a structural collapse. This mechanical failure caused the plane to veer off the active runway, eventually coming to a complete stop on the airfield grounds.
There were six people on board the aircraft during the incident. All occupants successfully evacuated the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. While there were no casualties, the impact and subsequent excursion resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss, as it sustained damage beyond repair.
Findings
Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor was the failure of the left main landing gear at the moment of touchdown. The specific underlying reason for this component failure remains undetermined.
Probable cause
The collapse of the left main landing gear during the landing sequence.
