Aircraft crash near Cobija-E. Beltram Airport

3 fatalities • Santa Cruz-Viru Viru, Bolivia • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight departing from Santa Cruz-Viru Viru Airport crashed during its return approach to Cobija, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

On the morning of the accident, a cargo flight departed from Santa Cruz-Viru Viru Airport at 08:07 local time, destined for Cobija-E. Beltram Airport. Shortly after the aircraft departed from runway 16, the crew contacted air traffic control to announce that they were returning to the departure airport, though they provided no specific reason for the aborted mission.

During the subsequent attempt to land, the aircraft entered a high-nose attitude while on final approach. This maneuver caused the plane to climb before ultimately entering a stall. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 200 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The impact was followed by a significant post-crash fire that completely destroyed the aircraft. The accident resulted in three fatalities among the crew and left one passenger with serious injuries.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a stall during the final approach phase.
  • The crash was characterized by a high-nose attitude and a subsequent loss of lift.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall during the final approach following a high-nose attitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-04-21 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near Santa Cruz-Viru Viru, Bolivia?

A cargo flight departing from Santa Cruz-Viru Viru Airport crashed during its return approach to Cobija, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-04-21 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-04-21 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CP-1319, operated by Sky Team Bolivia, at Santa Cruz-Viru Viru, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall during the final approach following a high-nose attitude.

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