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2 fatalities

Single-engine aircraft crash during search mission in Peru (57-6117)

Rioja, PeruFlight

On August 20, 1964, a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter (registration 57-6117) operated by United States Army was involved in an aviation accident near Rioja, Peru in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a tree while flying at low altitude during a reconnaissance mission. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine plane crashed into trees during a reconnaissance flight intended to locate a missing Peruvian Air Force helicopter.

What happened

During a search and rescue operation, a single-engine airplane was conducting a low-altitude reconnaissance mission. The objective of the flight was to assist in locating an Alouette helicopter belonging to the Peruvian Air Force that had previously gone missing. While operating at a low altitude, the aircraft collided with a tree and crashed within a heavily wooded region.

Findings

  • The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both pilots on board were killed in the impact.
  • The crash occurred during the low-altitude flight phase while the crew was actively searching for the missing aircraft.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a tree while flying at low altitude during a reconnaissance mission.

Related events

Same operator

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