8 fatalities

1966-07-11: Curtiss C-46 Commando (HK-527) — Aeropesca Colombia — Mt Planchón-Peteroa, Chile

Mt Planchón-Peteroa, ChileFlight

On July 11, 1966, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration HK-527) operated by Aeropesca Colombia was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Planchón-Peteroa, Chile in flight. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781240925Data APIEditorial standards

A special cargo flight carrying eight bulls and eight people from Bogotá to Buenos Aires struck Mount Planchón-Peteroa in poor weather. No trace was found initially; wreckage discovered on 18 November 1966. All eight occupants were killed. Probable cause: controlled flight into terrain.

Accident Summary

On a special cargo flight transporting eight bulls from Bogotá, Colombia, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with intermediate stops in La Paz, Bolivia, and Santiago, Chile, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Planchón-Peteroa (4,107 meters high), located about 200 kilometers south of Santiago. The flight was carrying five passengers and three crew members, along with the livestock, intended for an exhibition in Buenos Aires. The aircraft was cruising in poor weather conditions when the collision occurred.

Search and Discovery

Search and rescue operations were launched but eventually suspended after a few days when no trace of the aircraft or its occupants was found. The wreckage was eventually located on 18 November 1966. All eight occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

Official findings determined the probable cause to be controlled flight into terrain.