Fatal aircraft accident in Sierra de la Ventana

8 fatalities • Saldungaray, Argentina • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during an ambulance mission, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board.

What happened

During an aerial medical transport mission, a twin engine aircraft traveling from Bahía Blanca to the Morón Airbase struck a mountain slope within the Sierra de la Ventana region. The flight was being operated for the Argentinian Secretariat to Aeronautics, transporting a group that included two pilots, one mechanic, three doctors, and two patients.

As the aircraft was cruising, it encountered heavy fog which significantly reduced visibility. During this phase of flight, the plane collided with the terrain. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate. There were no survivors among the 8 fatalities recorded at the scene.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the presence of low visibility due to foggy conditions during the cruise phase.
  • The collision occurred when the flight path intersected with the slope of a mountain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain while operating in low-visibility fog conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-06-11 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Saldungaray, Argentina?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during an ambulance mission, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-06-11 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-06-11 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, operated by Government of Argentina, at Saldungaray, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain while operating in low-visibility fog conditions.

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