On April 8, 1968, a Douglas C-49 (DC-3) (registration CC-CBM) operated by LADECO Airlines - Línea Aérea del Cobre was involved in an aviation accident near Coyhaique, Chile during landing or approach. 36 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. However, it is believed that the airplane encountered severe atmospheric turbulences, causing the right wing to detach in flight. 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.
Flight LCO213, en route from Santiago to Coyhaique, crashed in mountainous terrain 24 km northwest of Coyhaique. All 36 occupants died. The probable cause is severe turbulence leading to right wing separation, though exact cause undetermined.
Accident
Flight LCO213 departed Santiago de Chile and proceeded uneventfully towards Coyhaique-Teniente Vidal Airport. As the crew initiated the descent, the aircraft suddenly went out of control, entered a dive, and crashed in a mountainous area. The wreckage was discovered a few hours later 24 kilometers northwest of Coyhaique, in an uninhabited area. The aircraft was destroyed. All 36 occupants on board were killed.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. However, it is believed that the airplane encountered severe atmospheric turbulence, which caused the right wing to detach in flight.