On May 8, 1987, a Douglas DC-6 (registration CP-1650) operated by Frigorifico Reyes (FRI REYES) was involved in an aviation accident near La Paz-El Alto, Bolivia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of one of the main landing gear components during landing caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and break apart. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a landing gear failure during arrival at La Paz-El Alto Airport, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent fire.
What happened
During the landing phase at La Paz-El Alto Airport, an aircraft experienced a structural failure involving one of its main landing gear components. This collapse caused the aircraft to lose directional control while on the runway surface. As the vessel veered off the designated runway, the impact and subsequent movement resulted in the airframe breaking into three distinct sections.
Following the breakup, the wreckage caught fire. Despite the severity of the accident and the intensity of the flames, there were no fatalities reported among the occupants. The three crew members on board sustained injuries during the sequence of events.
Findings
The primary factor in the loss of control was the collapse of a main landing gear unit during touchdown.
Probable cause
The collapse of one of the main landing gear components during landing caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and break apart.