Seaplane accident in Laguna Caballococha

No fatalities • Caballococha, Peru • Landing (descent or approach)

A Peruvian Air Force seaplane overturned and sank in Laguna Caballococha following a hard landing, though all occupants were safely rescued.

What happened

During a mission operating for the 42nd Group of the Peruvian Air Force, a seaplane was conducting a flight originating from Iquitos. While performing a landing on the surface of Laguna Caballococha, the aircraft experienced a high-impact touchdown. This forceful contact with the water caused the right float to detach from the airframe.

Following the loss of the float, the aircraft lost stability and overturned, subsequently sinking into the lake. Despite the severity of the impact and the sinking of the vessel, all 11 occupants were successfully rescued from the scene. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was a hard landing on the water surface.
  • The structural failure of the right float was a direct result of the impact force during the landing phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft overturned and sank due to the structural failure of a float caused by a heavy impact during landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-03-09 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Caballococha, Peru?

A Peruvian Air Force seaplane overturned and sank in Laguna Caballococha following a hard landing, though all occupants were safely rescued.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-03-09 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 2012-03-09 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration FAP-317, operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú, at Caballococha, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overturned and sank due to the structural failure of a float caused by a heavy impact during landing.

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