No fatalities

Aircraft crash following takeoff from La Paz-El Alto Airport (TAM-22)

La Paz-El Alto, BoliviaTakeoff (climb)

On May 4, 1971, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration TAM-22) operated by TAM Bolivia - Transporte Aéreo Militar Boliviano was involved in an aviation accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the takeoff climb phase. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a stall shortly after departing La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in a crash in a nearby field.

What happened

During the initial climb phase following departure from La Paz-El Alto Airport, the aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall. This loss of lift caused the plane to descend into a field situated approximately 1,500 meters beyond the threshold of the runway.

The impact resulted in the aircraft being destroyed and rendered beyond repair. There were three individuals on board during the flight, all of whom sustained injuries during the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered a stall state shortly after leaving the runway.
  • The crash site was located 1,500 meters from the end of the departure runway.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the takeoff climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 1971 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia?

An aircraft experienced a stall shortly after departing La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in a crash in a nearby field.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 May 1971 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 1971 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration TAM-22, operated by TAM Bolivia - Transporte Aéreo Militar Boliviano, at La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the takeoff climb phase.