On January 6, 1977, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration CP-728) operated by Transportes Aéreos Itenez was involved in an aviation accident near La Senda, Bolivia in flight. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While en route from Santa Cruz to Trinidad, both engines experienced temperature rises and propeller overspeed. The crew feathered the left propeller and attempted return, but the captain performed a belly landing in a pasture. All four occupants evacuated safely; aircraft destroyed.
Flight Details
A twin-engine aircraft was en route from Santa Cruz to Trinidad when the crew encountered engine anomalies. The left engine's temperature rose and its propeller began overspeeding. The crew feathered the left propeller and received clearance to return to Santa Cruz for an emergency landing.
Engine Issues
Shortly thereafter, the right engine's temperature also increased. The captain determined that the aircraft could not reach the intended landing site.
Emergency Landing
The captain reduced altitude and executed a belly landing in a pasture located in La Senda. The aircraft touched down on its belly without landing gear deployment.
Evacuation and Damage
All four occupants evacuated safely from the aircraft. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.