On August 9, 1996, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration LV-LNY) operated by Transportes Aéreos Petroleros - TAPSA was involved in an aviation accident near Cutral Có, Argentina in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Impact of the aircraft against a mountain slope while attempting an evasive manoeuvre during a steep left turn. Decision of the crew to fly over hilly terrain below the minimum safe altitude under VFR mode. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after takeoff from Cutral Có Airport, a VFR flight struck a hilltop while attempting an evasive turn, resulting in serious injuries to both pilots and destruction of the aircraft.
Accident Overview
Minutes after departing from Cutral Có Airport, the crew of a general aviation aircraft continued flying under visual flight rules (VFR) over hilly terrain at an insufficient altitude. While attempting an evasive maneuver to avoid ground contact, the aircraft's right wing struck the top of a hill. The aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the impact of the aircraft against a mountain slope while attempting an evasive maneuver during a steep left turn. The decision of the crew to fly over hilly terrain below the minimum safe altitude under VFR mode was identified as a cause. A contributing factor was the possible distraction of the crew during the last part of the flight over the canyon.
What happened in the 9 Aug 1996 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Cutral Có, Argentina?
Shortly after takeoff from Cutral Có Airport, a VFR flight struck a hilltop while attempting an evasive turn, resulting in serious injuries to both pilots and destruction of the aircraft.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Aug 1996 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Aug 1996 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration LV-LNY, operated by Transportes Aéreos Petroleros - TAPSA, at Cutral Có, Argentina.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Impact of the aircraft against a mountain slope while attempting an evasive manoeuvre during a steep left turn. Decision of the crew to fly over hilly terrain below the minimum safe altitude under VFR mode. A contributing factor was the possible distraction of the crew during the last part of the flight over the…
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