Aircraft collision near Vacas, Bolivia

33 fatalities • Vacas, Bolivia • Flight

A military transport aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Vacas during a descent in poor visibility, resulting in 33 fatalities.

What happened

During an approach toward Jorge Wilsterman Airport, an aircraft flying through adverse weather conditions struck a mountain slope. The impact occurred approximately 64 km southeast of the airport in the vicinity of Vacas. At the time of the collision, the crew had initiated their descent into Cochabamba.

The accident resulted in the deaths of all 32 occupants aboard the aircraft, which included 4 crew members and 28 soldiers. Additionally, one woman on the ground was killed in the incident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash indicated that the flight was operating under low visibility conditions. The primary factor contributing to the accident was that the crew began their descent prematurely while navigating through clouds that obscured the terrain.

Probable cause

The crew initiated a descent into mountainous terrain before reaching a safe altitude, exacerbated by poor visibility and heavy cloud cover.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1950-01-20 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Vacas, Bolivia?

A military transport aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Vacas during a descent in poor visibility, resulting in 33 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1950-01-20 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 33 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1950-01-20 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration TAM-10, operated by TAM Bolivia - Transporte Aéreo Militar Boliviano, at Vacas, Bolivia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew initiated a descent into mountainous terrain before reaching a safe altitude, exacerbated by poor visibility and heavy cloud cover.

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