29 fatalities

1979-12-22: De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (FAP321) — Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú — Puerto Esperenza, Peru

Puerto Esperenza, PeruLanding (descent or approach)

On December 22, 1979, a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo (registration FAP321) operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Esperenza, Peru during landing or approach. 29 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the loss of control was the consequence of severe in-flight turbulences. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781224437Data APIEditorial standards

A flight from Pucallpa to Puerto Esperenza crashed about 30 km from the airport after the crew encountered severe thunderstorm activity. The aircraft was destroyed and all 29 occupants were killed. Official findings attribute the loss of control to severe in-flight turbulence.

Incident Overview

A flight from Pucallpa to Puerto Esperenza crashed during its descent into the destination airport. The crew encountered very bad weather conditions, including thunderstorm activity, while descending. The airplane went out of control and crashed in a jungle area located approximately 30 kilometers from Puerto Esperenza Airport. The crash resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all 29 occupants on board.

Circumstances

The flight was en route from Pucallpa. As the crew began the descent to Puerto Esperenza, they faced severe weather with thunderstorms. The airplane lost control and impacted jungle terrain about 30 km from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash. No survivors were found among the 29 occupants.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident, as determined by the investigation, was that the loss of control resulted from severe in-flight turbulences encountered during the thunderstorm conditions.