On March 18, 1983, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration FAP356) operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú was involved in an aviation accident near Arequipa-Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón, Peru during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew encountered poor weather and low visibility, leading to a controlled flight into terrain during the approach. 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.
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Arequipa, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.
What happened
During an approach to the Arequipa-Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport, the flight crew encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by adverse weather. While navigating the descent, the aircraft descended below a safe altitude and collided with a mountain slope. The impact resulted in a crash that claimed the lives of all five occupants on board.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was limited visibility resulting from poor meteorological conditions during the approach phase.
The aircraft's flight path led to an impact with terrain at an insufficient altitude.
Probable cause
The crew encountered poor weather and low visibility, leading to a controlled flight into terrain during the approach.
What happened in the 18 Mar 1983 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Arequipa-Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón, Peru?
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Arequipa, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Mar 1983 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Mar 1983 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration FAP356, operated by Peruvian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea del Perú, at Arequipa-Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón, Peru.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The crew encountered poor weather and low visibility, leading to a controlled flight into terrain during the approach.
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