Argentinian Air Force aircraft crash near Lima-Callao Airport

46 fatalities • Lima-Callao-Jorge Chávez, Peru • Landing (descent or approach)

A four-engine aircraft operated by the Argentinian Air Force crashed into a sand dune during a night approach to Lima-Callao Airport, resulting in 46 fatalities.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to Lima-Callao Airport, an aircraft with four engines operated by the Argentinian Air Force for Correo Aéreo Militar al Exterior (CAME) crashed into terrain. The flight was navigating through heavy fog, which significantly reduced visibility for the crew during the descent.

Approximately 15 km before reaching the runway threshold, the aircraft impacted a sand dune. The impact resulted in 46 fatalities among the occupants. Among those who survived the accident were two children and one member of the flight crew.

Findings

Investigations into the accident indicated that the aircraft was at an insufficient altitude during its final approach. The primary factor contributing to the crash was that the pilot-in-command continued the descent below the established glide path despite the challenging weather conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot continued the approach at an altitude below the required glide slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1964-05-08 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident near Lima-Callao-Jorge Chávez, Peru?

A four-engine aircraft operated by the Argentinian Air Force crashed into a sand dune during a night approach to Lima-Callao Airport, resulting in 46 fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1964-05-08 Douglas C-54 Skymaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 46 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1964-05-08 involved a Douglas C-54 Skymaster, registration T-47, operated by Argentinian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Argentina, at Lima-Callao-Jorge Chávez, Peru.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot continued the approach at an altitude below the required glide slope.

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