Incident Description
A Douglas DC-3, operated by Viarco, diverted to Las Gaviotas Airport following unspecified technical problems and was grounded. The operator dispatched a second aircraft to carry the passengers onward. Shortly after the second aircraft took off from runway 24, during the initial climb, its right engine failed and caught fire. The aircraft stalled and subsequently crashed into a wooded area, where it burst into flames. All 20 individuals on board sustained injuries, six of which were serious. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a rupture of a crank and subsequent total loss of power and fire in the right engine during rotation of the plane. This reduced the aircraft's performance, causing the pilot to lose control and resulting in an immediate collision with the ground.