4 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Crash in Vizcacha Mountains (CP-825)

Mt Vizcacha, PeruFlight

On January 31, 1970, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-825) operated by Transportes Aéreos Littoral - TAL was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Vizcacha, Peru in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the right engine was the consequence of inappropriate maintenance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A flight crew reported a right engine failure and attempted an emergency landing on a plateau in the Vizcacha Mountains. The aircraft crashed on rocky terrain and disintegrated; all four occupants were killed.

Incident Overview

En route, the crew informed air traffic control about the failure of the right engine. They elected to divert to either Tacna or Arica for an emergency landing. The captain increased power on the left engine but realized he was unable to reach the nearest airport. He then attempted to land on a plateau located in the Vizcacha Mountains.

Crash Sequence

The airplane lost height during the approach and eventually crashed on a rocky area. The aircraft disintegrated on impact. All four crew members were killed.

Probable Cause

Investigators determined that the failure of the right engine was the consequence of inappropriate maintenance.