What happened
While performing a cargo transport mission to La Paz, an aircraft carrying a shipment of meat and five people—consisting of three crew members and two passengers—experienced a critical malfunction during departure. As the plane was accelerating down a damp runway, the left engine suffered a loss of power.
Despite the engine failure, the pilot attempted to proceed with the takeoff sequence and initiated rotation. Immediately following liftoff, the aircraft experienced a significant left bank, which led to the left wing making contact with the ground. The loss of control resulted in the plane crashing approximately 500 metres beyond the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames, and there were five fatalities among the occupants.
Findings
- The loss of power in the left engine during the takeoff roll was the primary factor leading to the loss of control.
- The presence of a wet runway surface may have influenced the aircraft's handling during the engine failure event.