14 fatalities

Aircraft Crash Near San Juan de Marcona During Diversion (42-72554)

San Juan de Marcona, PeruLanding (descent or approach)

On September 19, 1947, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration 42-72554) operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947) was involved in an aviation accident near San Juan de Marcona, Peru during landing or approach. 14 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control following an engine fire during a diversion to Marcona Naval Station. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a desert area near San Juan de Marcona while diverting to a naval station after an engine fire, resulting in the deaths of all 14 occupants.

What happened

During a flight en route to Lima, the crew encountered a critical emergency involving an engine fire. In response to this situation, the pilots initiated a diversion procedure toward the Marcona Naval Station. However, before reaching the designated landing area, the aircraft lost control and impacted the ground in a desert region near San Juan de Marcona.

The collision with the terrain generated significant impact forces that destroyed the airframe. A subsequent post-crash fire further compromised the structure of the wreckage. Tragically, all 14 occupants on board perished in the accident.

Probable cause

Loss of control following an engine fire during a diversion to Marcona Naval Station.