On December 31, 1997, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-1280) operated by Transportes Aéreos Virgen del Carmen (TAVIC) was involved in an aviation accident near Bolivia, Bolivia in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced technical malfunctions that necessitated an emergency landing attempt, resulting in a crash into trees. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A cargo flight operating in eastern Bolivia resulted in an aircraft breakup during an emergency landing attempt in 1997.
What happened
During a cargo operation in 1997, the crew of an unidentified aircraft encountered significant technical difficulties while flying over eastern Bolivia. In response to these mechanical issues, the flight crew attempted to perform an emergency landing within the region.
During the descent or landing sequence, the aircraft struck trees, which caused the airframe to break into two separate pieces. Despite the structural failure of the plane and the impact with the vegetation, there were no fatalities reported in the accident.
Findings
The crew was managing technical problems prior to the crash landing.
The aircraft came to rest after impacting trees during the emergency maneuver.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced technical malfunctions that necessitated an emergency landing attempt, resulting in a crash into trees.