What happened
An incident involving a DC-3 operated by Viarco occurred at Las Gaviotas Airport following a diversion. The aircraft had originally diverted to the airport due to unspecified technical difficulties, which resulted in the plane being grounded. To facilitate the continuation of the journey, the operator dispatched a different aircraft to Las Gaviotas to collect the passengers from the original flight.
During the subsequent departure from runway 24, the aircraft entered its initial climb phase when the right engine experienced a failure. This mechanical malfunction led to an onboard fire. As a result of the engine loss, the aircraft entered a stall and descended into a nearby wooded area, where it impacted the ground and ignited. The impact caused the total destruction of the airframe.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a failure of the right engine during the climb.
- The engine failure was accompanied by an immediate fire.
- The crash resulted in 20 injuries, with six of the occupants sustaining serious injuries.