No fatalities

Aircraft Destroyed by Fire After Runway Excursion at Trinidad Airport (CP-1048)

Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz, BoliviaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 13, 1973, a Douglas DC-7 (registration CP-1048) operated by Aerolineas Comerciales Nacionales - ALCON was involved in an aviation accident near Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz, Bolivia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, a transport aircraft veered off the runway during backtrack, striking parked tractors. Fuel leaked and ignited, destroying the aircraft. All 33 occupants evacuated without injury.

Incident Overview

A transport aircraft was destroyed by fire after departing the runway at Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz Airport. The incident occurred following a normal landing when the crew conducted a 180-degree turn and began a backtrack procedure to reach the apron.

Sequence of Events

During the backtrack, visibility was reduced by dust raised from the engine reverse operation. The crew failed to notice that the aircraft had deviated to the right of the runway. The right wing subsequently struck two parked tractors, puncturing fuel tanks. A fire immediately broke out.

Evacuation and Outcome

The crew brought the aircraft to a stop, and all 33 occupants evacuated the cabin. No injuries were reported. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire.