Fatal cargo flight accident near Cochrane Airport

5 fatalities • Cochrane, Chile • Takeoff (climb)

A cargo aircraft crashed during its initial climb from Cochrane, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

What happened

A cargo operation departing from Cochrane Airport ended in a fatal accident while traveling toward Villa O'Higgins. The aircraft was transporting approximately six tons of various freight at the time of the incident. Shortly after rotating and beginning its initial climb, the plane experienced a significant right-side roll and a subsequent loss of altitude. This maneuver led to the aircraft impacting a small hill situated roughly 3 km from the departure airfield.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were five fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash determined that the accident was triggered by a failure of the right engine following rotation.

Probable cause

The loss of power in the right engine during the initial climb phase caused the aircraft to roll and lose altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1981-07-31 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Cochrane, Chile?

A cargo aircraft crashed during its initial climb from Cochrane, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1981-07-31 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1981-07-31 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CC-CAT, operated by Linea Aérea de Transporte Interior Sud Americano - LATISA, at Cochrane, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of power in the right engine during the initial climb phase caused the aircraft to roll and lose altitude.

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