On May 2, 1974, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration HC-AUC) operated by ATESA - Aero Taxis Ecuatorianos was involved in an aviation accident near Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador in flight. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the crew to adhere to the minimum safe altitude fixed at 12,500 feet; failure of the crew to follow the 275° heading from Rio Negro to Baños de Agua Santa; overconfidence on part of the pilot-in-command; possible distraction of the flight crew due… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft struck a mountain slope with its left wing 17 minutes after takeoff from Shell Mera-Río Amazonas Airport, crashing near Baños de Agua Santa. Five occupants were injured and 20 killed, including two crew members. Official findings cited crew failures.
Accident Overview
At night, approximately 17 minutes after departing from Shell Mera-Río Amazonas Airport, an aircraft flying at an altitude of 11,500 feet struck the slope of a mountain with its left wing. The wing was partially torn off during the impact. Subsequently, the aircraft went out of control and crashed near Baños de Agua Santa.
Rescue and Aftermath
The wreckage was located the following morning. Rescue teams evacuated five people who were injured. Twenty other occupants were killed, including two crew members.
Official Findings
Investigations determined that the following factors contributed to the accident:
Failure of the crew to adhere to the minimum safe altitude, which was fixed at 12,500 feet.
Failure of the crew to follow the 275° heading from Rio Negro to Baños de Agua Santa.
Overconfidence on the part of the pilot-in-command.
Possible distraction of the flight crew due to the presence of a tourist guide in the cockpit.
Probable cause
Failure of the crew to adhere to the minimum safe altitude fixed at 12,500 feet; failure of the crew to follow the 275° heading from Rio Negro to Baños de Agua Santa; overconfidence on part of the pilot-in-command; possible distraction of the flight crew due to the presence of a tourist guide in the cockpit.