3 fatalities

1966-08-03: Curtiss C-46 Commando (CP-730) — Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano - LAB Airlines — San Benito, Bolivia

San Benito, BoliviaFlight

On August 3, 1966, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-730) operated by Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano - LAB Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near San Benito, Bolivia in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was not being flown at the recommended altitude when it reached the mountains to be crossed, nor at the proper crossing point. A secondary factor was the lack of navigation aids in the area. 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 1781240874Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft with three crew members struck a mountain slope in San Benito while cruising in poor weather, not on airway, and at insufficient altitude. Wreckage found 12 days later.

Accident Details

While cruising in poor weather conditions, an aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located in the region of San Benito. The aircraft was not on the assigned airway at the time of the accident and was cruising at an insufficient altitude. The wreckage was discovered 12 days later. All three crew members were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The aircraft was not being flown at the recommended altitude when it reached the mountains to be crossed, nor was it at the proper crossing point. A secondary factor was the lack of navigation aids in the area.

Circumstances

The accident occurred during a flight in poor weather conditions. The aircraft was not following its assigned airway and had an altitude that was deemed insufficient for the terrain. The mountain strike resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and fatalities to all crew members aboard.

Notes

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or the exact date of the accident. No other details about the flight or the crew were provided beyond those mentioned.