On November 15, 1950, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CB-48) operated by Frigorifico Cooperativo Los Andes was involved in an aviation accident near La Paz, Bolivia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A technical failure occurred during the initial climb, necessitating an emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a mechanical malfunction during its initial climb from La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in an emergency landing and significant airframe damage.
What happened
During the early stages of flight departing from La Paz-El Alto Airport, the aircraft encountered a technical failure while performing its initial climb. Following the onset of this malfunction, the crew initiated an emergency descent to return to the vicinity of the airfield.
Upon attempting an emergency landing near the airport, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss. Despite the severity of the impact and the destruction of the airframe, there were zero fatalities among the occupants. Both individuals on board the aircraft escaped the incident without any injuries.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the emergency was an unspecified mechanical malfunction occurring during the climb phase.
Probable cause
A technical failure occurred during the initial climb, necessitating an emergency landing.