On December 23, 1979, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-777) operated by Transaéreos Frimo - Frigorifico Movima was involved in an aviation accident near La Paz, Bolivia during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain because it was being operated at an inadequate altitude during the approach phase. 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 a mountainside approximately 15 km from La Paz-El Alto Airport during its approach, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During the final approach to La Paz-El Alto Airport, an unidentified aircraft collided with a mountain slope. The impact occurred at a distance of roughly 15 km from the airfield. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused three fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Preliminary information indicates that the flight was being conducted at an altitude that was too low for the terrain. While the specific reason for this descent remains undetermined, the primary factor in the accident was that the crew was performing the approach at an insufficient altitude relative to the surrounding mountain slope.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck terrain because it was being operated at an inadequate altitude during the approach phase.
What happened in the 23 Dec 1979 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near La Paz, Bolivia?
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside approximately 15 km from La Paz-El Alto Airport during its approach, resulting in no survivors.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Dec 1979 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Dec 1979 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CP-777, operated by Transaéreos Frimo - Frigorifico Movima, at La Paz, Bolivia.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft struck terrain because it was being operated at an inadequate altitude during the approach phase.
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