46 fatalities

1964-05-08: Douglas C-54 Skymaster (T-47) — Argentinian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Argentina — Lima-Callao-Jorge Chávez, Peru

Lima-Callao-Jorge Chávez, PeruLanding (descent or approach)

On May 8, 1964, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration T-47) operated by Argentinian Air Force - Fuerza Aérea Argentina was involved in an aviation accident near Lima-Callao-Jorge Chávez, Peru during landing or approach. 46 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot continued the approach at an altitude below the required glide slope. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781243153Data APIEditorial standards

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.