Aircraft crash near El Bolsón, Argentina

6 fatalities • El Bolsón, Argentina • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its descent to El Bolsón, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board.

What happened

On a scheduled flight from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport toward Río Gallegos, a twin engine airplane was traveling via intermediate stops at El Bolsón and Comodoro Rivadavia. The aircraft was operated with a crew of four and included two passengers. During the descent toward El Bolsón Airport, the flight encountered adverse weather conditions.

While navigating these conditions, the aircraft impacted the slope of Mt Paleta, situated approximately 18 km north of El Bolsón. Search efforts located the wreckage four days after the incident at an elevation of 1,995 meters. The impact resulted in the destruction of the airframe and caused six fatalities, with no survivors among the crew or passengers.

Findings

The investigation determined that the accident was the result of controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside during descent while operating in poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1977-08-07 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near El Bolsón, Argentina?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its descent to El Bolsón, resulting in the deaths of all six people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1977-08-07 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1977-08-07 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration T-87, operated by Líneas Aéreas del Estado - LADE, at El Bolsón, Argentina.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountainside during descent while operating in poor weather conditions.

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