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Cargo Flight Crashes into Mount Killukichu, All Six Occupants Killed (OB-R-653)

Moyobamba, PeruFlight

On April 20, 1972, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration OB-R-653) operated by Servicio Aéreo de Transportes Comerciales - SATCO was involved in an aviation accident near Moyobamba, Peru in flight. 6 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was flying at an insufficient altitude and under VFR mode in IMC conditions. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Chiclayo to Tarapoto via Moyobamba struck the slope of Mt Killukichu while cruising in clouds. All six occupants were killed.

Accident Details

On the day of the accident, the cargo airplane departed Chiclayo Airport at 1524 local time on a flight to Tarapoto, with an intermediate stop in Moyobamba. At 1615 local time, the crew contacted air traffic control for traffic and weather information regarding Moyobamba Airport.

Five minutes later, while cruising in clouds, the airplane struck the slope of Mount Killukichu. The wreckage was located a few hours after the accident. All six occupants on board were killed.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was that the crew was flying at an insufficient altitude and under visual flight rules (VFR) mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 1972 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Moyobamba, Peru?

A cargo flight from Chiclayo to Tarapoto via Moyobamba struck the slope of Mt Killukichu while cruising in clouds. All six occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 1972 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 1972 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration OB-R-653, operated by Servicio Aéreo de Transportes Comerciales - SATCO, at Moyobamba, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew was flying at an insufficient altitude and under VFR mode in IMC conditions.

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