5 fatalities

Four-Engine Aircraft Crashes on Mountain Slope After Losing Control During Descent (CP-1404)

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

On June 8, 1983, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration CP-1404) operated by Frigorifico Reyes (FRI REYES) was involved in an aviation accident near Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz, Bolivia during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An unknown fire erupted on board during the descent and the crew lost control of the airplane after being exposed to fumes. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft en route from La Paz to Palmira was diverted due to poor weather. During descent, the crew lost control and the plane crashed in flames on a mountain slope, killing all five occupants.

Accident Overview

A four-engine aircraft operating a flight from La Paz to Palmira was diverted by air traffic control to Trinidad-Jorge Heinrich Arauz Airport after being informed that Palmira Airport was closed due to poor weather conditions. During the descent phase, the airplane went out of control and crashed in flames on the slope of a mountain located a few kilometers from the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, and all five occupants on board were killed.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was an unknown fire that erupted on board during the descent. The crew lost control of the airplane after being exposed to fumes from the fire.