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2 fatalities

Four-Engine Aircraft Strikes Trees on Approach to Asunción; One Crew Member and One Passenger Killed (LV-AHP)

Asunción, ParaguayLanding (descent or approach)

On August 27, 1959, a De Havilland DH.106 Comet (registration LV-AHP) operated by Aerolineas Argentinas was involved in an aviation accident near Asunción, Paraguay during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew led the aircraft pass below the glide in marginal weather conditions and continued the approach at an insufficient altitude, against published procedures. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach to Asunción-Silvio Pettirossi Airport, a four-engine aircraft descended below the glide path in marginal weather, struck trees, and crashed. The undercarriage sheared off, and the aircraft slid into a wooded area. One crew member and one passenger were killed; 48 others evacuated, some injured. The aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

On final approach to Asunción-Silvio Pettirossi Airport, the crew encountered marginal weather conditions with limited visibility. The four-engine aircraft was flown too low, struck trees, and then impacted the ground. Upon impact, the undercarriage was sheared off, and the airplane slid for several yards before coming to rest in a wooded area.

Casualties and Evacuation

A crew member and a passenger were killed, while all 48 other occupants were evacuated, some of them wounded. The aircraft was written off.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause: "The crew led the aircraft pass below the glide in marginal weather conditions and continued the approach at an insufficient altitude, against published procedures."

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Aug 1959 De Havilland DH.106 Comet accident near Asunción, Paraguay?

On final approach to Asunción-Silvio Pettirossi Airport, a four-engine aircraft descended below the glide path in marginal weather, struck trees, and crashed. The undercarriage sheared off, and the aircraft slid into a wooded area. One crew member and one passenger were killed; 48 others evacuated, some injured. The…

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Aug 1959 De Havilland DH.106 Comet accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Aug 1959 involved a De Havilland DH.106 Comet, registration LV-AHP, operated by Aerolineas Argentinas, at Asunción, Paraguay.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew led the aircraft pass below the glide in marginal weather conditions and continued the approach at an insufficient altitude, against published procedures.

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