Aircraft crash in San Benito region

3 fatalities • San Benito, Bolivia • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a mountain slope in the San Benito region during flight through adverse weather, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members.

What happened

During a flight through inclement weather, an airplane impacted the side of a mountain within the San Benito area. The wreckage of the aircraft remained undiscovered for 12 days following the impact. There were three fatalities among the crew members on board.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was operating at an altitude that was too low for the terrain being traversed. Additionally, the flight path had deviated from its designated airway. The investigation concluded that the primary reason for the collision was that the aircraft was not maintaining a sufficient altitude to safely clear the mountain range. A contributing factor noted in the findings was the absence of available navigation aids in the vicinity at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The flight was conducted at an inadequate altitude and away from the assigned airway, compounded by a lack of navigational assistance in the area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-08-03 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near San Benito, Bolivia?

An aircraft crashed into a mountain slope in the San Benito region during flight through adverse weather, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-08-03 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 1966-08-03 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CP-730, operated by Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano - LAB Airlines, at San Benito, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight was conducted at an inadequate altitude and away from the assigned airway, compounded by a lack of navigational assistance in the area.

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