Aircraft crash near Puerto Esperenza during descent

29 fatalities • Puerto Esperenza, Peru • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight arriving from Pucallpa crashed in a jungle area approximately 30 km from Puerto Esperenza Airport following encounters with severe weather.

What happened

During an approach to Puerto Esperenza, an aircraft traveling from Pucallpa encountered intense thunderstorm activity and adverse meteorological conditions. As the flight was descending, the plane experienced a loss of control while navigating through the heavy weather. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground in a jungle region situated roughly 30 km away from the Puerto Esperenza Airport.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were 29 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, with no survivors reported from the crash site.

Findings

Investigations into the accident indicate that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was the presence of severe in-flight turbulence encountered during the descent phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost control due to extreme turbulence caused by thunderstorm activity.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-12-22 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident near Puerto Esperenza, Peru?

A flight arriving from Pucallpa crashed in a jungle area approximately 30 km from Puerto Esperenza Airport following encounters with severe weather.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-12-22 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 29 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-12-22 involved a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo, registration FAP321, operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú, at Puerto Esperenza, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost control due to extreme turbulence caused by thunderstorm activity.

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