Engine failure during takeoff at San Pedro Richard Airfield

No fatalities • San Pedro Richard (Laguna Portia), Bolivia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a left engine propeller overspeed during its takeoff roll at San Pedro Richard Airfield, resulting in a runway excursion and significant damage.

What happened

On the grassy runway of San Pedro Richard Airfield, situated west of Laguna Portia in Beni, an aircraft was performing a takeoff roll when the crew identified mechanical issues involving the left engine. Specifically, the propeller on the left side began to overspeed during the acceleration phase.

As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot-in-command elected to proceed with the takeoff attempt. However, the plane failed to lift off and instead overran the runway, traveling into a depression in the terrain. During this excursion, the left main landing gear collapsed under the impact. This structural failure caused the left engine to make contact with the ground, which ultimately tore the engine from its mounts.

The aircraft eventually came to a stop approximately 80 meters beyond the initial point of the gear collapse. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the four occupants, all of whom managed to exit the wreckage safely. The impact resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss due to damage beyond repair.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified that the primary factor was technical malfunctions involving the left engine during the takeoff roll, though the specific origin of the propeller overspeed remains unidentified.

Probable cause

An undetermined mechanical issue caused the left engine's propeller to overspeed during the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-09-03 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident near San Pedro Richard (Laguna Portia), Bolivia?

An aircraft experienced a left engine propeller overspeed during its takeoff roll at San Pedro Richard Airfield, resulting in a runway excursion and significant damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-09-03 Curtiss C-46 Commando accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-09-03 involved a Curtiss C-46 Commando, registration CP-752, operated by Transportes Aéreos Benianos - TABSA, at San Pedro Richard (Laguna Portia), Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An undetermined mechanical issue caused the left engine's propeller to overspeed during the takeoff roll.

Loading the flight search…