No fatalities

1972-09-03: Curtiss C-46 Commando (CP-752) — Transportes Aéreos Benianos - TABSA — San Pedro Richard (Laguna Portia), Bolivia

San Pedro Richard (Laguna Portia), BoliviaTakeoff (climb)

On September 3, 1972, a Curtiss C-46 Commando (registration CP-752) operated by Transportes Aéreos Benianos - TABSA was involved in an aviation accident near San Pedro Richard (Laguna Portia), Bolivia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine problems on takeoff for undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781233656Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a grassy runway, the left engine propeller oversped. The aircraft overran, collapsed left main gear, and the left engine was torn off. All four occupants escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident Overview

On an unspecified date, a multi-engine aircraft experienced technical difficulties during the takeoff roll at San Pedro Richard Airfield, a grassy runway located west of Laguna Portia, Beni. The left engine's propeller oversped, presenting a control challenge for the flight crew.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft accelerated, the crew encountered the propeller overspeed issue on the left engine. With the end of the runway approaching, the pilot-in-command decided to continue the takeoff roll rather than abort. The aircraft overran the departure end of the grassy strip and traversed a dip area. The left main landing gear collapsed during the overrun, causing the left engine to strike the ground and subsequently be torn from its mountings. The aircraft continued for approximately 80 meters beyond the dip before coming to a stop. All four occupants evacuated without injury, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair.

Probable Cause

Official findings determined the probable cause to be engine problems on takeoff for an undetermined reason.