No fatalities

Aircraft Crash Landing Due to Improper Aileron Cable Installation (CC-CBY)

Puerto Montt-El Tepual, ChileTakeoff (climb)

On December 5, 1969, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CC-CBY) operated by LAN Chile - Linea Aérea Nacional de Chile was involved in an aviation accident near Puerto Montt-El Tepual, Chile during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aileron control cables were not properly installed. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crash landed after its right wing dropped during takeoff, injuring three crew members. The official investigation found the aileron control cables were not properly installed.

Incident Overview and Outcome During the takeoff sequence, the aircraft completed a 500-meter ground run and reached an altitude of 10 meters before the right wing dropped. The right wingtip made contact with the ground, leading to a crash landing. All three crew members aboard sustained minor injuries, while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. ## Official Investigation Findings The official accident investigation determined that the aileron control cables were not properly installed. This installation error was identified as the probable cause of the incident, leading to the loss of control during the initial climb phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Dec 1969 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Puerto Montt-El Tepual, Chile?

An aircraft crash landed after its right wing dropped during takeoff, injuring three crew members. The official investigation found the aileron control cables were not properly installed.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Dec 1969 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 5 Dec 1969 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration CC-CBY, operated by LAN Chile - Linea Aérea Nacional de Chile, at Puerto Montt-El Tepual, Chile.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aileron control cables were not properly installed.