44 fatalities

1978-02-10: Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (T-511) — Transporte Aéreo Militar de Uruguay - TAMU — Artigas, Uruguay

Artigas, UruguayLanding (descent or approach)

On February 10, 1978, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration T-511) operated by Transporte Aéreo Militar de Uruguay - TAMU was involved in an aviation accident near Artigas, Uruguay during landing or approach. 44 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The precise reason for the engine malfunction that led to the aerodynamic stall is currently unknown. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781227069Data APIEditorial standards

A flight departing from Artigas crashed during its initial climb, resulting in the loss of all 44 people on board.

What happened

During a scheduled flight from Artigas to Montevideo, an aircraft carrying 40 civilian passengers and four crew members experienced a critical malfunction shortly after departure. While performing the initial climb, the pilot notified air traffic control regarding issues with the engines.

As the aircraft was executing a turn to align with the approach path, the plane entered a stall. The subsequent impact resulted in a post-crash fire. There were 44 fatalities and no survivors among the occupants of the CX-BJH (T-511).

Findings

Investigations into the accident have not yet determined the specific nature of the mechanical failure. While it is confirmed that the pilot reported engine difficulties prior to the stall, the exact cause of the engine problem remains unidentified.

Probable cause

The precise reason for the engine malfunction that led to the aerodynamic stall is currently unknown.