1989-06-21: De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo — Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú — Tarma, Peru

62 fatalities • Tarma, Peru • Flight

Probable cause

It was determined that there were 57 passengers on board while the aircraft was certified for 44 passengers max. It was also determined that the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude because it was overloaded and the crew could not obtain full engine power as they were submitted to strong contribution.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The twin engine airplane departed San Ramón-Capitan Alvarino Airport at 1730LT on the second leg of the trip to Lima. On board were 57 passengers, a crew of five and a load of various goods including wood and animals. While climbing, the captain informed ATC about engine problems and that he was unable to maintain the assigned altitude. Ten minutes after takeoff, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located about 30 km northwest of Tarma and disintegrated on impact. All 62 occupants were killed.

Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that there were 57 passengers on board while the aircraft was certified for 44 passengers max. It was also determined that the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude because it was overloaded and the crew could not obtain full engine power as they were submitted to strong contribution.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-06-21 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident near Tarma, Peru?

The twin engine airplane departed San Ramón-Capitan Alvarino Airport at 1730LT on the second leg of the trip to Lima. On board were 57 passengers, a crew of five and a load of various goods including wood and animals. While climbing, the captain informed ATC about engine problems and that he was unable to maintain…

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-06-21 De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 62 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-06-21 involved a De Havilland DHC-5 Buffalo, registration FAP329, operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú, at Tarma, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that there were 57 passengers on board while the aircraft was certified for 44 passengers max. It was also determined that the aircraft was unable to gain sufficient altitude because it was overloaded and the crew could not obtain full engine power as they were submitted to strong contribution.

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