34 fatalities

Fatal Crash Near Canaima Airport After Left Engine Failure (YV-C-AKE)

Canaima, VenezuelaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 27, 1972, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration YV-C-AKE) operated by Linea Aeropostal Venezolana - LAV was involved in an aviation accident near Canaima, Venezuela during landing or approach. 34 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine after takeoff for undetermined reason. 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

An aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Canaima Airport after the left engine failed. The crew attempted an emergency return, but the plane stalled on final approach. All 34 occupants were killed.

Incident Overview and Sequence of Events An aircraft departed from Canaima Airport and experienced a failure of its left engine while climbing shortly after takeoff. The flight crew decided to return to the airfield for an emergency landing. During the final approach, the aircraft stalled and crashed a few kilometers from the airfield. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 34 occupants on board. No survivors were reported. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the left engine after takeoff. The specific reason for the engine failure was not determined by the investigation.