5 fatalities

1992-03-02: Curtiss C-46 Commando (CP-754) — Frigorifico Santa Rita — Estencia, Bolivia

Estencia, BoliviaTakeoff (climb)

On March 2, 1992, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-754) operated by Frigorifico Santa Rita was involved in an aviation accident near Estencia, Bolivia during takeoff. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For unknown reasons, the crew decided to continue the takeoff procedure after the left engine lost power. The fact that the runway surface was wet was considered as a contributing factor as the aircraft's speed was insufficient. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211192Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered CP-754
Aircraft registered CP-754. Photo: RedRipper24 / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A cargo flight with five occupants crashed after an engine failure on a wet runway at La Paz, bursting into flames. All five were killed. Investigators cited the crew's decision to continue takeoff and wet runway conditions.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, a cargo aircraft completing a flight to La Paz, Bolivia, suffered a left engine power loss during the takeoff roll on a wet runway. The aircraft was carrying two passengers, three crew members, and a load of meat. Despite the engine failure, the captain decided to continue the takeoff and initiated rotation.

Sequence of Events

Just after liftoff, the airplane banked to the left. The left wing then struck the ground, causing the aircraft to go out of control. It crashed approximately 500 meters from the end of the runway and burst into flames. All five occupants—the three crew members and two passengers—were killed in the accident.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be that, for unknown reasons, the crew decided to continue the takeoff procedure after the left engine lost power. The wet runway surface was considered a contributing factor, as the aircraft's speed was insufficient for a safe takeoff under those conditions.